Keeping It Candid - Wedding Photography Unfiltered with Sandra Henderson

This week's episode is all about your website's home page! Alex Collier, a brand and web designer, joined me to talk about the importance of a well-designed homepage, common mistakes photographers make when designing theirs, the importance of including clear and compelling calls to action, and more. Alex also shares her formula for creating an effective homepage that you don't want to miss out on! Takeaways The homepage is the first impression and should capture attention and establish trust, while the services page is more conversion-driven and provides detailed information. Common mistakes on homepages include not clearly indicating the location, burying important information, and not including enough content. It is important to have clear and compelling calls to action on the homepage, using action verbs and guiding the user through their experience. Must-have elements on the homepage include sections for linking to other pages, showcasing testimonials, including an email opt-in, and providing a call to action to the contact page. Organizing portfolio and pricing information by category is more streamlined and relevant for potential clients. SEO is important for ranking in search engines, and internal linking can help improve the relevance and visibility of important pages. The key takeaway is to put yourself in the client's shoes and make the website experience easy and seamless for them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:43 Importance of Homepage and Services Page 04:22 Common Mistakes on Homepages 06:35 Above the Fold and Length of Homepage 09:24 Importance of CTAs 14:27 Must-Have Elements on Homepage 19:45 Importance of SEO and Internal Linking 19:51 Final Takeaways 20:52 Fun Question: Taylor Swift 22:39 Conclusion Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

Today I'm sharing what's inside my endometriosis toolkit! These are things I use when I'm at home and on-the-go to make chronic illness life a little more manageable. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Endometriosis Toolkit 02:13 Hysterectomy and Surgery Details 03:26 Invasive Surgery and Remission Period 04:21 Expectations and Unknowns After Surgery 04:50 Heating Pads and Robax Heat Wraps 05:46 Ergonomic Seat Cushions 07:06 Proper Shoes for Support 08:23 E-Reader for Reading Comfort 10:05 Water Cooler and Water Bottle 11:43 Cannabis Products for Nausea and Pain 13:49 Recap and Conclusion Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

I'm sharing part two of my experience with endometriosis today for Endometriosis Awareness Month! Including an update on where I'm at, how I'm managing things day-to-day, and also how people can support others in their lives who have endometriosis themselves. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recap 02:19 Effects of Medications 03:05 Waiting for Surgery 04:00 Managing Symptoms 06:18 Tracking Menstrual Cycle 08:05 Adjusting Work Schedule 10:18 Personal Growth and Coping 13:44 Supporting Someone with Endometriosis 20:30 Conclusion Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

In this episode, I'm re-sharing my journey with endometriosis and how it's shaped both my personal life and my business. Living with a chronic illness has its own set of challenges, but I'm sharing how I've learned to manage symptoms and prioritize self-care along the way. Join me as I discuss the importance of support from healthcare professionals and the impact of streamlining business processes to enhance the client experience. Whether you're facing endometriosis or any chronic illness, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for navigating life and business with resilience and grace. Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:12 Diagnosis and Understanding Endometriosis 06:20 Struggles and Challenges 07:38 Finding a Way Forward 08:56 Streamlining the Business 10:26 Creating a Dream Client Experience 10:49 Conclusion and Call to Action SHOW NOTES: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/endometriosis-my-story-pt1/ Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

Let's be real - showing up on social media is exhausting and the return on investment isn't worth it. Candice Coppola joins me on the podcast today to talk about how photographers can use email marketing in an almost passive way to start generating more sales from new and existing clients. Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/candice-coppola-email-marketing/ Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

This week I'm interviewing Cameron and Tia about the use of AI in the photography industry. We chat about our excitement and hesitations surrounding AI and share some of our favourite tools, as well as diving into the impact it can make on your client experience, your business, and your life overall. Takeaways AI tools can save photographers time and increase productivity, allowing them to focus on their areas of expertise. Using AI in content creation, such as email subject lines and blog post meta descriptions, can streamline workflows and improve efficiency. AI tools for photo and video editing, like AfterShoot and Imagen.AI, can significantly reduce editing time and provide a starting point for further customization. Integrating AI into client workflows can enhance the client experience by providing seamless and fast responses. Photographers should set aside dedicated time to explore and research AI tools, as they can provide significant benefits and save time and money in the long run. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Embracing AI 02:15 Introduction of Cameron and Tia 07:42 The Excitement and Hesitations of AI 10:31 Favorite AI Tools for Content Creation 17:53 Favorite AI Tools for Photo and Video Editing 24:10 Using AI to Increase Productivity and Improve Client Experience 28:48 Advice for Photographers Hesitant to Use AI 33:06 Fun Question: Dream Weddings vs. Automated Weddings 38:18 Closing Remarks and Encouragement Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

Erin Perkins, a deafblind accessibility educator and the owner of Mabely-Q, joins me for an interview this week! We talked all about the importance of accessibility for photographers, ways to improve accessibility online, and being adaptable to client needs. Takeaways Accessibility should be a top priority for all business owners, particularly in the wedding photography industry. Small business owners face challenges in incorporating accessibility due to limited resources, but that doesn't make them less necessary. Improving accessibility online involves using questionnaires to understand clients' needs and being adaptable in communication. Proper use of alt text and image descriptions is crucial for visually impaired individuals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Accessibility 03:08 Challenges for Small Business Owners 06:16 Improving Accessibility Online for Wedding Photographers 08:05 Using Questionnaires to Understand Accessibility Needs 09:46 Effective Communication and Adaptability 14:01 Considerations for Website Design and Color Contrast 18:05 Proper Use of Alt Text 21:42 Alt Text vs. Image Descriptions on Social Media 23:02 Inclusivity and Accessibility without Limitations 25:21 The Impact of Inaccessible Platforms 27:44 Moving Towards Genuine Inclusion 29:39 Starting from Where You Are 30:28 Fun Question: Snowboarding vs. Stand Up Paddling Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

Happy belated New Year, friends! Today I'm sharing my top three favourites in various categories for the year 2023, and a look inside my goals and vision for Q1 of 2024. Takeaways Investing in quality photography equipment can greatly enhance the quality of your work. Using systems and tools like HoneyBook, PicTime, and Imagine AI can streamline your business processes. Utilizing editing tools like AI Select in Lightroom, the denoise feature in Lightroom, and Topaz Sharpen AI can improve the quality of your photos. Building a chronic illness toolkit with helpful apps, ergonomic tools, and comfortable footwear can support your well-being. Taking trips and attending conferences can provide valuable experiences and networking opportunities. Setting clear goals and focusing on making a positive impact can guide your business decisions and actions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Return from Hiatus 01:57 Top Three Photography Related Things 05:15 Favourite Extras in Camera Bag 07:24 Top Three Systems 09:40 Top Three Editing Tools 13:06 Chronic Illness Toolkit 17:44 Top Culture Favorites: Shows and Movies 22:27 Top Three Favorite Books for 2023 24:42 Top Three Trips of 2023 27:16 Goals for 2024 28:41 Conclusion Show Notes - https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/top-3s-of-2023/ Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

Make sure you're investing your money in the right places so you're never left feeling like you've been scammed. Laylee Emadi joins me for an interview to talk all about red, beige, and green flags to watch out for in a creative educator! Show Notes - https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/redflags-laylee-emadi/ The Creative Educator Conference - https://simplysandra--layleeemadi.thrivecart.com/the-creative-educator-conference-2024/ (affiliate link!) ******************* Laylee Emadi Website - http://layleeemadi.com/ Instagram - http://instagram.com/laylee_emadi Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

On this week's episode, I'm talking all about an easy way to up-level your client experience without having to spend any money or add any extra work to your plate. Sound too good to be true?! I promise, it's not! Show Notes Coming Soon... Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

HoneyBook and Pic-Time made a huge announcement this week, and I'm so excited I decided to do an impromptu podcast episode to tell you all about it! Show Notes - https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/honeybook-pictime-integration Save 50% on your 1st year of Honeybook - https://share.honeybook.com/Sandra Get an additional free month of Pic-Time - https://lifeisbeautifullondon.pic-time.com/referral or use code C5QS5E Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

If you're feeling overwhelmed in your wedding photography business, it might be a good sign that you're ready to start outsourcing different aspects of your work. It can be scary to get on board with but there's so much freedom that comes along with it, and today on the podcast I'm joined by Sara Monika to talk all about it. Show Notes - https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/outsourcing-sara-monika/ Today's episode is brought to you by Imagen.AI - Get 1500 Free Edits - https://imagen-ai.com/?v=0j&ref=sandrahenderson Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

Self-care is important for any wedding photographer, but especially for all of my chronic illness friends. Today on the podcast I'm sharing three ways I prioritize self-care and how it benefits me as a business owner. Show Notes - https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/wedding-photographers-with-chronic-illnesses/ Amazon Canada Storefront - https://www.amazon.ca/shop/lifeisbeautifullondon Amazon US Storefront - https://www.amazon.com/shop/lifeisbeautifullondon *These are affiliate links, and I may receive a small payment in exchange for you clicking my link. As always, there is so additional cost to you and it won't impact your user experience in any way! Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

Ghosting is happening more and more and it's easily one of the most frustrating parts of being a wedding photographer. On today's episode Michelle Harris and I talk all about why ghosting happens, and what you can do about it to make the next booking season your best yet. CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES ******************** Michelle Harris Instagram M Harris Education | Hustle Made Self Paid Community Freebies The Hustle Vault Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

Season 2 of Keeping It Candid is here! On this week's episode, I'm giving a short and sweet life update, and sharing a little sneak peek at what to expect this season! ******************** CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

It's the SEASON FINALE!! Kassandra from Align Movement Studio joined me for the final episode of Season 1 to talk all about the dreaded wedding hangover - what it is, why we experience it as wedding vendors, and how we can ease the impact a wedding day has on our bodies. Show Notes and Transcript Coming Soon! ******************* Guest Details: Kassandra Fuller Website | Instagram ******************* Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

Breaking into a new market in the photography industry is no easy task, but it’s something that every wedding photographer is going to experience at one point or another during their career. John from All Heart Photo and the Wisdom In The Tangents Podcast joined me to talk all about how wedding photographers can make the transition easier. Show Notes: CLICK HERE ******************* Guest Details: John Mansfield Website | Instagram | TikTok | Podcast ******************* Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

It’s no secret to you that a HUGE part of what we do is create content, and it can get really overwhelming really fast. You’re not alone if you’re thinking - where do I find the time to do it all?! I’ve been there myself, and that’s why I knew I had to get my friend Amanda Warfield on the podcast for an interview! Amanda and I dove into the differences between a content strategy and a content plan, and how you can utilize each to get the most out of the work you’re putting into your marketing. If you want to stop feeling like you’re wasting your time when it comes to creating content, this is a “must-hear” interview! Show Notes: CLICK HERE ******************* Guest Details: Amanda Warfield Website | Instagram | TikTok | Podcast Chasing Simple Content Planner | Click Here! ******************* Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

Editorial photography - it’s almost documentary-inspired, and photographers are utilizing flash to create strong shadows that contribute to a unique artistic style. Alora Rachelle joined me to chat about her decision to shift her style of photography into a new category, and how wedding photographers can really embrace imperfection to not just capture memories, but create works of art for their clients. Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/keepingitcandid-shownotes-028/ ******************* Guest Details: Alora Rachelle Website | https://www.alorarachelle.com/ IG | @alora.rachelle 3 Steps You Need To Book Editorial Weddings | Click Here! ******************* Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne

If you've ever thought about getting involved with local wedding shows to advertise your wedding photography business, or if you've ever done one in the past, you definitely want to listen to today's episode! Show Notes: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/keepingitcandid-shownotes-027/ ******************* Support the showLet's be friends! The Unfiltered Photography Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/unfilteredphotocommunity Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/simplysandrayvonne TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonne