Wisdom in the Tangents Photography Podcast

Alora Rachelle is a wedding photographer, business coach for wedding photographers where she specializes in teaching systems, outsourcing, and creating a white-glove experience for your clients.She’s also the host the Hello CEO podcast and today Alora is sharing some ways that you can become the CEO your business needs.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomYour mindset is one of the most overlooked indicators that you’re working in your business and not running your business. Not charging enough to be profitable, or doing everything manually in your business.We often don’t trust ourselves to do the hard things because we’re worried we’ll make a mistake. So instead we research it until we have a headache and then do nothing.The market is only saturated for those who copy what everyone else is doing. Differentiated yourself and your brand.When you start felling burnout and when you’re constantly turning down opportunities to meet up with friends, or spend time with your family in order to work more, you are wearing too many hats. You need to delegate to others and set up automations in order to gain back control of your business.The Covey Matrix helps you determine what tasks need YOU, which ones need to be delegated and which ones you should drop or postpone. Here is what that Covey Matrix looks like.Find Alora atalorarachelle.comHello CEO PodcastThe Wedding CEO Coaching ProgramFree Wedding Editorial ClassWhat Are We Loving?What Alora is loving:Finding her hobbies - Interior DesignWhat John is loving:Book - More Than This by Patrick Ness

How to Create Instagram Reels with John MansfieldThis Mini Episode, John shares his process on how he creates reels, from start to publish.Sponsor: ScanDisk Extreme Pro SD cardsCheck out our favorite SD cards at Lightdarkco.com/scandiskStep 1 in creating Reels and Tiktoks is to scroll and view some reels. Get some inspiration before you start creating.Look for audio and videos that match your brand voice and personality. If you aren’t a dancing and pointing at words type person (Hi, me neither) then don’t do those trends.Step 2 - Save videos and audio to your saved collection folder on IG.You can do this by hitting the three little dots at the bottom right of the reel, and “save to collection.”Look for audio that is trending. You’ll see that when the bottom left of the video which has the audio title has changed from a musical note to an upward graph arrow. That means it’s trending.Step 3 - Schedule a day to brainstorm in your notes app about ideas for each audio you saved.I write down the audio name, the idea for the reel, any text or graphics I’ll add on, and then move on to the next audio.Step 4 - Once you have 3-5 reels planned out, set a time to record the video for each. Record them and save to your drafts.Step 5 - Add the text, gifs, graphics, and captions to a video from your drafts and get it ready to publish.Include a Call to Action either in the text of the video or in the caption itself.Step 6 - Once it’s published, engage with your audience. Like and comment on their posts/stories. Look through the people who engaged with your most recent post and engage with them. This will tell the algorithm that there is a strong connection between your accounts and this raises the probability that your reel will be shared to their feed.Step 7 - Repeat Find John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/educationWe record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

My guest on the show today is Charlotte Isaac.She is the is a business operations consultant based in Sydney Australia. She believes that life is too dawn short to not live it the way you want to. So she helps business owners grow faster and further by streamlining and managing their clients and systems primarily through the CRM, Dubsado. And Today Charlotte is sharing some tips on how you can uplevel your CRM into an operational powerhouse.Check out Charlotte’s Free Mini Course - 7 Steps to AutomationAnd save 30% off your first month or year of Dubsado with Charlotte’s offer here.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomA CRM is a Client Relationship Manager, and they look after your clients from start to finished. Organizing and automating emails, questionnaires, contracts, and all of the documentation and notes for each of your clients.A lot of leave our 9-5 jobs to run our own business and we end up running 24/7. But we need to realize that we make the rules, and we don’t have to work all the time if we don’t want to.Explore your CRM and get to know all the tools and templates it has for you. Some of those lesser thought of tools are the following.Set up templates for your when you receive a lead, and that whole lead nurturing process.Set up templates and automations for following up when you don’t hear back from someone.Ask for testimonials at the end of your process with your clients.If you have to look after all your clients without setting up any automations, you’ll often miss important touch points because you have to physically send out each email and questionnaire.Don’t panic if you can’t capture every template, automation and tool in one go, just try to be as intentional as you can and build as you go.A great to begin streamlining your process is to walk away from your computer and write down every step of your client process. That will highlight the areas you can automate through your CRM.Systems are often seen as a dampener to creativity, but setting up systems to take more work off your hands allows you more time to be creative in your work.Find Charlotte atcharlotteisaac.cominstagram.com/charlotteisaachqCharlotte’s Free Mini Course - 7 Steps to AutomationWhat Are We Loving?What Charlotte is loving:Decaf CoffeeWhat John is loving:Summer Water Activities with the kidsWe record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

My guest on the show today is Sandra Coan.She is the premiere newborn, maternity, and family photographer in Seattle, Washington. She’s a business coach, a podcast host, an educator, author, and she is amazing at taking artificial light and creating a natural look for her photos.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomBy learning how to use artificial light in a natural way, you’re creating more freedom for yourself in your business. In how you can control light, and the creativity you can access by being in control of your light source instead of relying on a sunny day and good weather.You are in control when you can control the light.People often think of artificial light as the harsh, direct flash, shooting at f/11 style from the early ‘90s. With just a few pieces of gear you can create the softest, natural looking light with artificial light.Light is light, so when you’re looking to get into working with artificial light, think of the power of the light, the shape and size of your light, and the distance from your subject. Reverse engineer the light of your naturally lit photos and try to match that with the power, size and distance of your artificial light.Sandra’s preferred gear:Westcott FJ200 StrobeWestcott 7'Ft Parabolic White UmbrellaThree Umbrella SetA lot of the Pinteresty type newborn photos you see take a lot of skill, a lot of preparation, and require a lot of safety to properly execute. Sadly, a lot of photographers who start in newborn photography don’t realize that a lot of those poses are composites of multiple images and babies end up getting injured.So research your poses and keep your babies safe.Here is Sandra Coan’s class on Newborn SafetySandra does a lot of baby-led posing so that they are in natural positions and much safer. Plus they look like themselves, just as they are.Find what you love doing and go for that. There are people out there looking for exactly that thing.When you find what you love, and do it loudly by marketing and sharing about it, that’s what is going to set you apart in the saturated market of so many photographers doing the same thing.Cat Photographer - the.cattams.family on Tiktok - PurfectPose on InstagramFind Sandra atsandracoaneducation.cominstagram.com/sandracoantiktok.com/@sandracoanphotographyBeyond Natural Light PodcastBeyond Natural Light Facebook GroupCrafting the Natural Light Look - BookWhat Are We Loving?What Sandra is loving:the Weather in SeattleTiktok - Follow her hereWhat John is loving:Movie - Spiderhead (Netflix) We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

This Mini Episode, John shares some tips on posing same-sex couples as well as some ideas you might want to incorporate into every photoshootThe short answer is that you should photograph same-sex couples the same way that you photograph any other couple. But the problem lays in how we photograph couples.Many photographers pose couples in masculine and feminine roles; the groom does this, the bride does that. I suggest to not pigeonhole anyone into a certain type of posing.If you typically have the groom (in hetero couples) in more masculine poses such as wrapping his arms around the bride, or giving piggyback rides, or following when being lead by the bride down the path, then it’ll be more difficult to photograph any couple who doesn’t have an obviously more masculine presenting partner.So, instead of only having one of the partners do things like bear hug or cuddle, switch it up throughout the session. Get to know your couple before their photoshoot. This will allow you to photograph them in the most comfortable poses for them and their relationship.Pose them according to their personalities and notice is they are uncomfortable in certain roles.Love is love, couples are all different, no matter who they are in relationship with. Treat them as a couple in love with each other, and capture that love the best way possible by allowing them to show that love to each other in their own way. Find John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/educationWe record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

My guest on the show today is Bernel Westbrook.She is the owner and lead designer at Branded by Bernel, a full service branding and web design company. She's also the host of the Branded by Bernel Podcast where she shares branding tips and obsesses over the details so you don't have to.And Today Bernel is sharing her top 3 ways you can grow your business outside of social media.Sponsor: TáveReceive an extended 60 day free trial of Táve at Lightdarkco.com/taveLook for ways to grow your business but also ways that you can balance your life too.Find areas that you can automate, and schedule some self care. You can't take care of your business well if you aren't taking care of yourself well.One of the main reasons you should be looking for ways to grow your business outside of social media is because social media can be very mentally exhausting.You can spend a lot of time on social media on your captions, on recording your reels, planning out content and you don't always see a reward for all your hard work.One area you can focus on is referrals. If you are wondering how to get referrals from your clients, just ask for them. You'd be surprised what people want to do if you just ask.Give your clients incentives or referral links for perks when they send people your way. You can even send them a questionnaire to help them formulate a review that would help lead more potential clients to you.You can talk yourself up all day, but when potential clients hear about your services from a trusted friend, they will act on that referral much more often and with more trust in your experience.A lead magnet is a freebie or highly discounted item that you use to to draw people in like a magnet.You can use these to attract potential clients, provide them with value, and get them on your email list.Provide your email list with valuable tips that speak to their pain points.You can place your lead magnets in many different pages. A couple locations that get the most interaction are on your services page, and your resources page.On your services page it tells them that you see they are at least interested in working with you, and then you can hit them extra value with your freebie.If you have your lead magnet as a pop-up, place that pop-up on your about page or services page, not on your home page. You will get a much higher click rate being on a secondary page.Another great way to grow outside of social media is to network. Meet other professionals at events, ask to be a guest on a podcast, attend your local Rising Tide Society (come join mine if you're in the area), and go to conferences to network nationally and internationally too.Make a list of 3 clients you enjoyed working with, reach out to them and let them know that you loved working with them and you are currently adding some referrals and reviews on your website and you'd love if they could provide you one.Find Bernel atbrandedbybernel.cominstagram.com/brandedbybernelBranded by Bernel PodcastWhat Are We Loving?What Bernel is loving:Food - Trying new restaurants like Velvet Taco in Charlotte, NCWhat John is loving:Scheduling time for selfcare - Evenings off, weekends without photoshoots, going on actual vacations We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

My guest on the show today is Maddy Mahairas She is a returning guest, so check out episode 44 about the power of encouragement after this one.She’s wedding photographer based in Tampa Florida and specializes in church worship photography too.And Today we're talking about how you can create an workflow that saves you time and allows you to scale your business.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomWhen you receive a new lead, immediately send a text to connect unless they say that they prefer to communicate through email.Don't be discouraged when you receive a lead who's just looking for prices. Consumers only know what they are given and prices are usually given in consumer products so that's what they have to begin with.Ask questions to allow them to talk about themselves. Listen to them and learn about who your clients are.Don't just ask how they got engaged or what their wedding colors are.Have some photo inspiration and even some date night inspiration to share with them throughout the planning process.As you are taking photos throughout the day, you can rate images in-camera so that your same day and next day sneak peeks are rated and ready to be edited without having to look through all of your photos.You can use those rated images for your sneak peek gallery, and for creating a blog post.Find Maddy atInstagram.com/maddness.photographymaddnessphotography.comWhat Are We Loving?What Maddy is loving:Book - Forgiving what you can't Forget - Lysa TerKeurstWhat John is loving:TV Show - Stranger Things Season 4 Part I (Netflix)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

This Mini Episode, John shares 5 pieces of software that will save you time and energy, and create an elevated client experience.Sponsor: ScanDisk Extreme Pro SD cardsCheck out our favorite SD cards at Lightdarkco.com/scandiskPhoto MechanicTry Photo Mechanic HereQuickly cull, organize and export your photos with custom metadata.Photo Mechanic shaves hours of my culling time. It usually only takes me around 45 minutes to cull through 2500 images. This saves me 3-4 hours from my workflow when I culled before Photo Mechanic.BackblazeTry BackBlaze HereBack up your photos, videos, and files with this cloud based storage backup system.It’s easy and automated. You can quickly restore any files you needTry BackBlaze and receive a free month of service.JPEG MiniTry JPEGmini HereCompress your images to the smallest file size without compromising on quality.It takes up less space on your hard drive, makes for quicker uploads, and easier downloads for your clients.GustoTry Gusto HereEasy to manage payroll service, so you can organize direct deposit payments to contractors and employees.Gusto also puts together all your payroll tax documents for you as well as your contractors.You can set up a 401(k), 529 College Funds, HSA and FSA healthcare funds and more for yourself and your employees.Try Gusto and Receive $100 back after you run your first payroll. Pic-TimeTry Pic-Time Here Amazing image delivery gallery service.It’s very customizable with style, color scheme, layout, branding and more. The print sales campaigns that Pic-Time creates for you are so useful. Easily add them to your galleries and wait for the sales to roll in without having to schedule email campaigns, social media posts or anything.Try Pic-Time for free and when you upgrade to a paid plan, get your first month free! Just use Promo code: HE9BB3 at checkout.All the links to these software are affiliate links. We get a little kickback, while you get a deal on an amazing service. We don’t advertise for companies we don’t absolutely love, so know these are great.Find John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/educationWe record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphotoL6zJxyZgvLhBh4cMBxhV

Michelle Harris is a destination wedding photographer based in Washington DC, a business coach, Speaker, and she hosts a fantastic community of hustling photographers.Today we’re talking about 3 reasons why wedding photographers are getting ghosted and how you can fix them.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomWhether you believe you can or your can't, you're right. If you truly believe you can get something done, then you absolutely can. It doesn't matter how many people around you don't believe it, if you believe it, then that confidence will help you succeed.Getting ghosted is when you get an inquiry, send over your information, and then you get no response in return. They just turn into a ghost and are never seen again.There is usually something that is missing and that's the reason why you're getting ghosted.You need to pre-qualify your leads. Without pre-qualifying your leads, you'll receive a great number of leads, however not all of them will be a good fit for you. Especially when it comes to budget. So place your started price on top of your contact form. It doesn't matter where else on your website you have your pricing, place it at your contact form so you can pre-qualify those leads before they hit your inbox. This will save you and them time and energy.Make every inquiry go through your contact form. Sometimes you'll get inquiries over Instagram but send them to your contact form to fill that out and to see that starting price.Get your leads on the phone. Call them immediately and if they can't talk, you can tell them that you'll send over an email with the info.It will probably feel uncomfortable to talk to them on the phone, but the impression that will last with them if far worth it, since no other photographers are getting them on the phone either.You pricing may be confusing your leads. A La Carte (build your own) style is making your leads do a lot more work than they want to and that may be causing them to ghost.If you have 3 or 4 collections in your pricing list, have an "All collections include" section that lists all theline items that are included in every single collection. That way they aren't looking through 15 items in each collection trying to figure out what the difference is between the collections.Don't offer a "complementary" engagement session. Nothing else in your collections are complementary, why is this?When it's "free" it loses it's value to the couple. So include engagement sessions if you want, but have a value for them instead of telling your leads that it's complementary.Don't include things in your collections that you don't want to do. If you don't like doing bridal portraits, don't offer them.If you don't like rehearsals, don't offer that coverage. Only offer the things you want to photograph.When setting your prices, don't have 99 at the end of your prices. That's a discount price. $1999 looks cheap and like a commodity. Round out your numbers. That'll look more upper scale and luxury.Your investment guide does not need to have pages and pages of helpful tips and articles in order to share your prices.This should be shared later or in a separate email. That is causing more confusion that it is providing help for them.Find Michelle atInstagram.com/mharris_studiosM Harris HustlersHustle VaultMaster The City WorkshopsWhat Are We Loving?What Michelle is loving:PodcastsThe Rich Man Podcast by Melanie AuburnThe Kelly Roach ShowBusiness and Life Podcast with Angela HendersonWhat John is loving:TV Show - Ozark Season 4 Part II (Netflix)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

This Mini Episode, John shares a few ways you can elevate your client experience to move yourself from Good to Great and cultivate clients who will rave about your services to others."Sponsor": ScanDisk Extreme Pro SD cardsCheck out our favorite SD cards at Lightdarkco.com/scandiskMost clients can’t tell the difference between good and great photos, but they can tell the difference between good and great service.By elevating your client experience will move you from good to great in their eyes and the referrals will start pouring in.3 Ways to elevate your client experience:Gifts like welcome gifts, post cards, some of yours or their favorite thingsGuides and educational articles to help them prepare for your servicesTaking extra care and attention by asking them questions about themselves, and going above and beyond what they expect from you. Always deliver more value than they expect.Check out more about elevating your client experience in episode 78 with the Elevate Photo Awards TeamFind John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/education

Krista is a photographer, business coach, and creator of the She Calls Her Shots Membership & Podcast. She helps creatives ditch the overwhelm and create thriving businesses by focusing on the tactical strategies, habits, and mindset & confidence work that's crucial to seeing long-term growth.Today we’re talking about how you can get back to your goals when burn out is creeping up on you, and how to set yourself up to avoid burn out in the future.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomThere is an industry separation between full-time and side-hustle photographers.Don't let that impostor syndrome slow you from growing in the photographer you are. Just because you aren't full time doesn't mean you are less of a photographer than someone working full time in their business.And don't expect to see the same growth in your business when you're allocating 40+ hours a week to another job, when others aren't doing that.Burnout creeps up on you. It often doesn't hit all at once, you slowly get to burnout. Accept that you are burnt out and move to a mindset that you can recover from burn out. Having that vulnerability to say that you are burnt out and that you need to change things, is a big first step.Find your triggers. What is triggering you to feel like an imposter or to feel like you are not doing as well as others? When you see where those places and who those people are, you should adjust yourself away from them.Find someone who can support you, someone who understands that it's part of the business and can encourage you through that.Don't just jump back into what you were doing before you were burnt out, but figure out a more sustainable way of attaining what you need to get done.This could be better time management, or delegating tasks to others, hiring an editor, or planning out your days in a more efficient way.Start to think of your goals and what you want to accomplish, and tell yourself that you are going to accomplish them.That positivity and the forward focusing mindset will help you stay on track for your goals.Find Krista atshecallshershots.cominstagram.com/krista.marie.photographyPlanning for Profit - Free MasterclassWhat Are We Loving?What Krista is loving:Indoor Cycle BikeWhat John is loving:TV Show - Wild Babies (Netflix)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Ashley is a brand photographer and podcast host (The Purpose Gathering) based in Mesa, Arizona. She coaches mom photographers to help elevate their side hustles, grow a profitable business while working less.Sponsor: TáveReceive an extended 60 day free trial of Táve at Lightdarkco.com/taveTime blocking is a budget for you time. Instead of letting your time be spent on whatever comes up, you budget out how much time you'll spend on different tasks during that block of time.Time Blocking Steps:1 - Look at the week ahead of you and block out those times you have set aside to work.2 - Create a masterlist of all your tasks for the week. Write out each of your tasks so you can organize them.3 - Braindump and write down the things you need to do. So instead of shifting gears into another task, just write it down in your master to-do list, then you can stay in the same mindset of your current task.Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much of the task you can finished before the timer is finished. If it’s not completed, then set another 15 minutes and see if that task can be completed in 30 minutes of less.Setting a time limit for your tasks will help you stay more focused because you only have so much time to work on that task.Parents working from home, talk to your kids about your time blocking. Let them know that you have 20 minutes of work and then you’ll have 45 minutes to play with them. Giving them that timeframe will help them be more patient while you’re working and it’ll help you with bleeding in and out of work and family life.Set aside the time to work on your time blocking. Pick an hour, set it in your calendar, and that’s your time block to work on your time blocking.Mentioned in the episode:Dr Laura Markhum - Special TimeFind Ashley atThe Purpose Gathering Podcastthepurposegathering.cominstagram.com/thepurposegatheringWhat Are We Loving?What Ashley is loving:Audiobook - The Memory Making Mom by Jessica SmarttWhat John is loving:TV Show - Russian Doll (Season 2 on Netflix)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

John shares a few ways you can train yourself and your brain to create a more positive outlook on life, and attract more positivity from your surroundings.Sponsor: TáveReceive an extended 60 day free trial of Táve at Lightdarkco.com/taveIf Only and At LeastWhen we look at the past, we often will say things like “If only this had happened,” or “If Only I had done this thing,” the outcome would have been better.A positive way of looking back is not saying “If only” but saying “At Least.” “At Least I was able to do this thing or things could have been worse.” Our brains have a network called the Reticular Activating System (RAS) and this does a few things for us, one of which is it filters how we view the world. Some RAS lean more toward the negative, and some to the positive. When you are faced with a circumstance, it’ll get filtered one way or the other, which is why some people tend to focus on the negative aspects of their circumstances, while others always seem to see that silver lining.You can train you RAS to filter more positively but doing a few things. Speaking positivity to yourself. Positive affirmations can train your brain to see those positive things first. It’s like when you buy a new car, and suddenly you start to see that model of car everywhere. That’s the RAS filtering toward that model of car because you’re brain is aware of it’s importance now.Elyse Myers shared how when she looks at a photo of herself, she usually sees all the imperfections, but she has trained herself to at least say one positive thing about the photo. Even if it’s just that she likes the clothes she’s wearing in it.Another way to train your brain is to write down those affirmations. People who write down goals are 42% more likely to achieve those goals. In episode 70, Shaun Austin spoke about how he reframes things he “has” to do, into things he “gets” to do. Having to do things feels more like an obligation, while Getting to do things feels more like a privilege.Find John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/educationWhat am I loving?Taking the family to sporting events. Basketball and Baseball in particular.We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Alli is a the founder and creative director at Trio Creative Studios, a fully remote brand creative agency where she helps transform your scattered business into a cohesive brand powerhouse. She’s based in Boston, Massachusetts and works worldwide. This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomYou should have way more photos than text copy on your website. Yes, you still need good copy to express your brand, but a lot of people are scrolling to look at the photos first. Ask yourself if what you say on your website is the most concise version that still makes sense.At the top of your website (before the scroll/fold) are you painting a picture of who you are, what you do, and how you do it? You need a scroll-stopping image and some copy to hook the viewer to stay on your site.Have Calls-to-Action on your website. These are specific buttons, or text that guides your viewer along to the next area of your website you want them to see. All the pages on your website should be linking to each other.Have Cohesive visuals on your site. Keep the editing style similar, keep your branding colors and your fonts consistent throughout your website. 5-7 branding colors, and 2-3 fonts will keep your brand cohesive and memorable. Have high quality copy on your website. Make sure you have more client-focused text on your site rather than you-focused text which talked about you and what you do. The client focused copy talks about their experience and allows them to put themselves into that character so they can see themselves as your clients.Think of the steps your leads are taking while looking for a photographer, then speak to those steps on your site.Mentioned in the episode:The Photography Branding Blueprint (free download)Showit (Website builder) - Get a free month when you subscribeAllison Ewing Photography (Episode 103)Find Alli atThe Photography Branding Blueprint (free download)triocreativestudios.cominstagram.com/triocreativestudiosWhat Are We Loving?What Alli is loving:Food - Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Cinnabon Copycat)Podcast - Welcome to Our Show (New Girl Rewatch Podcast)Drink - Stōk Ice CoffeeWhat John is loving:Podcast - The Office Ladies (The Office Rewatch Podcast)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Evie is a destination and elopement photographer, business coach, educator, and podcast host of The Heart and Hustle Podcast with past guest Lindsey Roman (Ep 76), and she’s a serial entrepreneur with her sustainable swimsuit business, Evie Swim, and a few other forms of income too. Today Evie and I are talking about how you can become a traveling photographer. So break out your notepad because Evie’s got some fire tips for you today.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomPeople won’t book you as a traveling photographer if they don’t see that you are traveling. So to show that you are traveling, you need to travel. Evie began traveling for free while charging small fees for the session itself in order to build a portfolio that she could use to show that she traveled.Once you have traveled and photographed in a new location, post those photos everywhere. And not only the photos, but post the behind-the-scenes about your trip, post photos of you in that location. Post about the entire process, not just the end photos.There is a lot of added stress and pressure when it comes to traveling for photography. You have to block off extra days for travel that will take away from your editing/work load. You have to be willing to put in that extra time that traveling takes from your day-to-day schedule.Switch everything to show that you are a destination and traveling photographer. Post on your blog about different locations, “best of” lists, and target keywords for what those clients would be searching for.Attach yourself to your brand as a traveling photographer. Show up in your stories, blog personal life stuff, and show your face in your stories, in your posts, and on your website. That personal brand will attract your ideal clients and cause them to want to work with YOU over someone else.Find Evie attheheartuniversity.comThe Heart and Hustle Podcastevelyngrace.cominstagram.com/evieruppinstagram.com/theheartuniversitySwim Wear - evieswim.comWhat Are We Loving?What Evie is loving:Drink - Vanilla Cloud drinkWhat John is loving:Movie - 41 (Australian time travel love story on Amazon Prime)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Ben is a wedding photographer and business coach based in Ohio and soon to be Tampa, FL. He hosts the Six Figure Photography Podcast and offers meaningful business coaching every week in his Facebook group.I’ve wanted to have Ben on the podcast for a while because I greatly how he coaches. He tends to swim again the stream and focus more on your mindset and how you treat others rather than shallow statistics to boost sales.Today we’re talking about Chain Reaction Marketing and how you can maximize your marketing efforts by being mindful of these chain reactions.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomBe patient and give time for new marketing techniques to work. Keep showing up, but show up where you want to belong.If the marketing effort is unilateral, it’s either inefficient or not thought through. It’s a single domino falling be itself.Each marketing effort should compound with the next. Nothing should be done in isolation.The things in your business that are going to get to you to what you say you want - the things that are going to make the difference in your life - they are most likely the things that are important but not urgent. How is the marketing you’re about to do going to move you closer to goal you have for your life? Set an aim for what you’re moving toward and then think of marketing efforts that will move you toward that goal.Find Ben atsixfigurephotography.comJoin Ben’s Facebook Group Mastermind - Text “Join” to 614-714-1644What Are We Loving?What Ben is loving:Movie - Everything Everywhere All At Once (Trailer)What John is loving:Movie - The Lost City (Trailer)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Roy is a wedding photographer who stays in the moment with his couples. He’s also and business coach. He writes blogs for photographers, and he’s based in beautiful Orlando, Florida.Today we talk about how you can attract more leads by networking and how important relationships are for your business.Sponsor: TáveReceive an extended 60 day free trial of Táve at Lightdarkco.com/taveWhen moving to a new market and a new state, Roy traveled to Florida often to meet with venues, take pictures and take notes on what he liked about them and what he thought his couples would appreciate about them too. Then turned them into blogs.A great way to rank up in Google is to update your older blogs too. Updating lists, swapping out photos, writing more copy about the topic, those are all great ways to update your blogs and make them more relevant to Google.When looking for networking opportunities, don’t just look for events for people in your industry. But you can look for events that you think your ideal clients would attend.And you may not even meet your future clients at these networking events, but you might meet someone who knows your future client and can tell them about you, this cool person they connected with at this event.Look through local events at Eventbrite and Facebook Events.When you’ve met people at these events, take them and place them in a spreadsheet. This spreadsheet will have rankings for how well do you know them and how likely are they to introduce you to someone.In networking scenarios, it can be uncomfortable to make those connections, and you should just embrace the uncomfortable. Extravertedness can be a learned behavior. Push yourself to be uncomfortable and make those connections.Having someone else sing your praises is worth so much more than you telling someone that you are the best photographer out there. People trust people they know.When someone has already talked you up to a potential client, all you have to do is show up and not prove them wrong.Mentioned in the show:Fuel your Photos PodcastEventbrite for searching for Networking eventsRoy’s Previous Episode on Growing by Removing Services (EP #79)Find Roy atroythephotographer.cominstagram.com/roythephotographerRoy’s Facebook Group - The Talent PoolWhat Are We Loving?What Roy is loving:Universal Studios and all the theme parks in OrlandoWhat John is loving:Movie - The Adam Project (Netflix)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Dan is a wedding photographer based in Philadelphia, PA. He also hosts the Focused Photographer’s Podcast.Today we're talking about how to identify toxic money relationships and how you can end yours today.Sponsor: TáveReceive an extended 60 day free trial of Táve at Lightdarkco.com/taveLesson from the book A Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins - Spend less than you earn, invest the rest, and end debt.Always be a student of your clients. It doesn’t matter how much you think you know about them, approach them as a student to learn more about them.Types of different Toxic Relationships with Money:Money avoidance is where you want nothing to do with money. When it comes in, you want to get rid of it right away.Your net worth equals your self worth. When you have money, you feel good about yourself, and when you don’t have it, your self esteem dwindles. We often see riches with fancy cars, and expensive things, but we rarely see wealth as investments, retirement, and savings.Healthy Money mindsets look different for everyone, but you should aim for these markers of a healthy mindset.Set values and spend your money based on those values.Have low to no debtSave money to reach goalsHave an emergency fund or insurance.Mentioned in the show:A Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. CollinsThe Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselRich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki4 Hour work week - Tim FerrissMoka Pot - Espresso Coffee MakerHow to Live a Healthier More Happy Life - Billy BauderProfit First - Mike MichalowiczMr. Money MustacheCatch AppFind Dan atdanielmoyerphotography.comfocusedphotographers.cominstagram.com/danielmoyerphotoinstagram.com/getfocusedphotographerssecretphotoclub.com What Are We Loving?What Dan is loving:Showing up Rule- Creating a habit of showing up for 2 minutesWhat John is loving:Movie - Nobody (Trailer)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Sean is a Portland, Or based senior photographer. He coaches photographers on how to run the successful business they've dreamed of and how to market themselves well. And he is also the host of the Shoot for Success Photography Podcast.Today we're talking about how to market for the client's journey. Sponsor: TáveReceive an extended 60 day free trial of Táve at Lightdarkco.com/taveFocus on how to market yourself in order to create a sustainable job.Look for what your differentiating factors that you offer than others in your industry do not. What makes you different. Take 3-5 of those factors and speak about those in your marketing.What do you want to be known for? How can you effectively communicate that in your marketing?When they don’t know what we know, they fill in the gaps with what they assume they’ll receive or with experiences from others. When you share about the client's experience, they will know what to expect and have a better view of the value you offer.If you can incorporate your clients’ opinions into aspects of your brand, they will be more invested in your brand and more likely to refer you to others.List everything you do before, during, and after a session. And look for client touch points in that process and create ways you can educated and market clients about those areas. Find Sean atseanbrownproductions.cominstagram.com/seanbrownproductionsSean’s Senior Photography Academy What Are We Loving?What Sean is loving:Watching March Madness with friendsWhat John is loving:Movie - Windfall (Netflix)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Fred is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and business advisor. He co-founded the most successful dentist referral service in the country, 1-800-DENTIST. He has previously written two books on marketing, has dabbled in standup and improv comedy, acted in bad movies and excellent TV commercials.His latest book, Superbold: from Under-confident to Charismatic in 90 days, is an Amazon and Wall Street Journal bestseller. He once beat Sir Richard Branson in chess and was also a question on Jeopardy. He is an avid cyclist, a below-average tennis player and an even worse golfer.He currently resides in Los Angeles and he is my guest today to talk about how we can overcome shyness and become bold business owners.The Light and Dark Photography Podcast is brought to you by Shipstation.ShipStation a web-based shipping and packaging platform that makes shipping your products and prints so easy!Get your free 30 day trial and make it 60 days by checking it out at lightdarkco.com/shipstationTell your team what you expect of them, because otherwise how will they know what you are expecting. When expectations are not set, people will default to the path of least resistance. Bold people are never the ones who stop themselves. They wait for others to try and stop them. Underconfident people talk themselves out of what they want. “I’m not smart enough. People will think XX of me. I’m afraid I’m going to fail”You are not generically Shy, sometimes you exhibit shy behavior and you can try to act on that behavior less often. When meeting people you are interested in, pursue only the outcome of human connection. Don’t set high expectations for the conversation. Start there and you might get to what those high expectations might be after you make that initial connection.When your negative inner voice is telling you what people might think of you, ask yourself if that is factual. Is that certain?When things don’t go as planned, ask yourself how this can become an opportunity. Instead of assuming people are going to think, direct the mishap into something relatable to connect with your audience.The PRIDE methodPrepare YourselfRelaxInsights into yourselfcontrol the Dosage instead of going 0-100Exercises of boldnessTry to smile at everyone you meet. When they don’t smile back at your, don’t take that negativity on.Boldness is allowing yourself to step in and begin.Find Fred atfredjoyal.comGet his book - SuperBold: From Under-confident to Charismatic in 90 DaysWhat Are We Loving?What Fred is loving:Themed PartiesWhat John is loving:Books - Wayward Pines Trilogy by Blake CrouchWe record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

James and Jess Wittmayer are a husband a wife luxury wedding photography duo based out of Santa Barbara, CA. They are educators with a passion to help creatives and photographers thrive in life and in business.Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you don’t know something. It’ll save you from years of doing things the wrong way, or with missing pieces. You don’t need to do everything on your own. When you bring in others to help you, you allow yourself the space to serve your clients the best you can.If you don’t know yourself well enough and how you’ll work with others, it’s virtually impossible to lead yourself anywhere.Map out your client’s total experience from first touch point to the last connection. At 3-5 touch points with your clients along the journey, add some gifts, some added personal touches to elevate their experience and create a raving fan for your business.Ideas without action are worthless.Your clients deserve more than just a digital experience with their photos. Albums and prints will serve them far longer.No doesn’t mean no, it means convince me. If your clients don’t want albums, then you probably haven’t educated them and shared the value in those albums.People cannot buy what they do not exist.Workshop on adding Albums to your packages - jamesandjess.com/lightanddarkThis episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomFind James and Jess atjamesandjess.cominstagram.com/jessfairchildinstagram.com/jameswittyThrive Photography Conferenceyoutube.com/jamesandjessWhat Are We Loving?What James is loving:House Plants and gardening(John’s referral - Bloom and Grow Podcast)What Jess is loving:New Espresso MachineWhat John is loving:Tv Show - Fringe (Prime Video)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Angie is a wedding and proposal photographer based in Maui, Hawai’i. She runs a team of photographers at Engaged on Maui. Along with her business partner Dave Moss, she helps photographers run a kickass business so they can live the life they want to live through her educational business, Business as an Adventure. Today we’re talking about how delegating will save your life, and she shares how to identify and work on those areas in your business and personal life that need delegating.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomIf you believe that you are the only person who can do everything in your business, you are making a mistake.What are the things that you Hate doing? These are the things that you can outsource and it will help your mental wellbeing. The time you save by delegating is worth more than the money you spend to delegate that work out.Set up automations through your CRM to save time and effort. Ways you can delegate in your photography business:Child CarePlanning and posting to Social MediaEditingHouse CleaningLaundryBlogs / CopywritingGrocery ShoppingMeals (Doordash and Hello Fresh)Photoshop and touch upsFind Angie atangelanelsonphoto.cominstagram.com/angelanelsonphotoinstagram.com/engagedonmauiinstagram.com/businessasanadventureBusiness as an Adventure Facebook GroupWhat Are We Loving?What Angie is loving:Burrito BowlsWhat John is loving:TikTok Accounts@leigh_mcnasty - Middle School Teacher@_jen_hamilton - Will It Swaddle?@alexfsands - 2020s Seinfeld We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Ryan is a former wedding photographer and current co-founder of photo and video editing service, Freedom Edits. They are based in the UK and provide editing services worldwide.Today Ryan and I chat about how outsourcing can give you more freedom in your life to spend the time the way you want.Ryan helped set up Freedom Edits to give people more freedom in their lives by providing a consistent and high quality editing service.When looking into outsourcing editing, people often say “No one can edit like me.” And yes, that’s true. You can give the same photo to 10 different people and you’ll most likely get 10 different images back. Offering feedback on what matches your style and what does not, allows the editor to get as close as possible to what you’d edit.Outsourcing editing is like building a relationship, the more you put into it, the better it gets.Unless the problem is nipped in the bud, then you’ll continue to have the same problem.Keep a notepad or notes app on your phone, and write down everything that you do for your work. Then once a month, go through and mark the things you don’t like doing. Once you have those marked, you’ll know what things are best to outsource to someone else.Video Recording Software: LumeGet a discounted rate on Editing from Freedom Edits by emailing [email protected] go to Sponsor: TáveReceive an extended 60 day free trial of Táve at Lightdarkco.com/taveFind Ryan atfreedomedits.cominstagram.com/freedomeditsinstagram.com/ryanwelchweddingsWhat Are We Loving?What Ryan is loving:Tv Show - Euphoria (HBOmax)What John is loving:Movie - Fractured (Hulu)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Erica and Jon Hayes are a husband a wife branding photography duo based out of Phoenix, AZ. They work with big brands, small brands, and personal brands by creating brand content that represents them and their ideal clients well.When planning for a branding session, you need to know not only your client (the brand) but also your client’s client. By identifying their ideal client, you can then create photos that will resonate with them and bring more value to Your client.In order to take pictures that will sell for your branding clients, you need to understand what common misconceptions their potential clients have about their brand.Preparing for your branding session by understanding the brand, their goals for the photos, how they will be used, and creating a shot list will make the shoot much smoother and streamlined. Not to mention, positioning yourself as a professional.Having a shot list set before the session will allow you to step completely into the creative space instead of constantly thinking about the next shot.Entrepreneurship is rollercoaster. The only ones who get hurt are the ones that try to get off the ride. The ups and downs of business can be scary, but if you hold on and push forward during the ride down, the odds are you’ll be going up another hill soon.Sponsor: TáveReceive an extended 60 day free trial of Táve at Lightdarkco.com/taveFind Erica and Jon atericaandjon.cominstagram.com/ericaandjonPlanning and Styling Course - Get 30% off at ericaandjon.com/lightdarkWhat Are We Loving?What Jon is loving:New Espresso MachineWhat Erica is loving:Books - Awakening Wonder by Sally ClarksonWhat John is loving:Tv Show - Ozark Season 4 (Netflix)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Tanya is a wedding and destination photographer based out of Santa Monica, CA. She's also part of the team behind Elevate Photo Awards. In episode #78 she and the Elevate team joined me to talk about elevating our client experience. Definitely another great conversation to queue up after this one.Today Tanya and I talk about how to navigate parenthood, business ownership, and how we've learned a lot about each aspect of life from the other. We often find our identity in the stage of life we’re in. Business owner, life partner, parent. Our attributes can show up mirrored in our children and this can show you areas you might need to re-learn in your own life.Parenthood definitely helps prime you for the controlled ciaos of a wedding day with make-up running behind, family members not arriving on time, and all the other factors that might pop up on a wedding day. You are better equipped to roll with it in a calm manner.You have to be present in each area of your time. During family time, be present with them and don’t try and fit work in during family time. And during your work time, know that you may be missing time with your family, but the designated time you will have during family time will be much more meaningful.Learn from other parents and business owners who have been through what you’re currently going through. Their puzzle piece won’t always fit your puzzle exactly, but you can at least learn some aspects from them and implement them into your life.Ask yourself and/or your partner what you want life to look like, create healthy habits to creating the life that you want, and automate your life as much as you can. Those area great ways to balance your life and continue to build a more sustainable setting.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomFind Tanya atparadastudio.cominstagram.com/paradastudioWhat Are We Loving?What Tanya is loving:Books - Atomic Habits by (James Clear)Rich Dad, Poor Dad by (Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter)To Have and To Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma by (Molly Millwood)What John is loving:Books - Built to Belong by (Natalie Franke)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

John shares 5 things that would have been amazing to know in his first 5 years of business.Sponsor: TáveReceive an extended 60 day free trial of Táve at Lightdarkco.com/taveNumber 1. I am not my ideal client.I definitely used to be my ideal client when I first began, charging $500 for an 8 hour wedding or $50 for an hour portrait session. That was the budget that 24 year old John would have had to hire to someone.As your style and client experience evolves with you, your ideal client does too. The experience you provide for a luxury wedding client is much different than what you’d provide for a lower budget craigslist couple.Continuing to market to myself (who I thought my client was) I was undervaluing my services and it held my prices, my portfolio, and my growth back until I realized that I was not my ideal client.Number 2. Serve your clients. Don’t sell to your clients.Full episode on this in Episode #47 (listen here)Trying to sell and upsell once they’ve booked felt sleezy to me and I didn’t like it, so I rarely sold.Instead of talking about all the things I can do for them (selling), I began to talk about their pain points, how they can overcome them, and how I can help as their photographer.Allowing them to see the value they place on my service and booking them, instead of telling them what value they should place on my services and selling to them.Number 3. OutsourcingKnow that the people who specialize in the areas you plan to outsource are actually really amazing at those services and probably really love doing it.When I outsourced my editing, it was hard at first, but now they do such an amazing job and I have full trust in them to match my editing style well.Number 4. Be humble and open to learnWhen I realized I didn’t have to learn it all myself in a hands-on way, trial and error, but instead I could learn from someone else’s trails and errors, that opened myself up to a fast track of learning and growth in my business.Don’t be afraid to ask what you may think are “dumb” questions. They aren’t. And the sooner you ask, the sooner you’ll learn and grow as a person and business owner.Number 5. Set up automationsI have certain emails set up to automatically send at specific points in the client journey. Certain tasks that pop up after the previous is completed, and contracts, invoices and reminders that automatically are sent to my clients.My CRM, Tave, is a huge part of those automations. I highly recommend you get a CRM (client relationship manager) to manage your clients, set up automations, and give you more time back in your hands.Here is a link to receive an extended 60 day free trial of Táve to see if you like it. Lightdarkco.com/taveFind John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/educationWhat am I loving?Movie - Mother/Android (Hulu)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Ashley Holstein is a wedding and family photographer based out of Nashville, Tennessee with a very wholistic and lifetime-focused approach to her client's photography experience.Today she's sharing with us some of the aspects of how she cultivates an amazing experience for her clients and how pricing your services is more than just figuring out your cost of doing business.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomYou should always give options to your clients to allow them to easily say yes. Offer the things that you value and have passion for. This allows people to feel the passion behind what you are offering and gives them a greater value received when they hire you.Sometimes we focus on the amount we want to charge for our services without looking at the wholistic view of your life. Family, Time off, Vacations, 9-5 Job, Kids, Spouse, all the things that make up the time in our days.As your clientele changes to those with more money, they are also going to have different needs and different pain points in the client journey.A great way to exceed your client’s expectations is gift giving. Ash talks about the gifts she brings to family sessions and also the gifts for wedding clients. Think of an experience that you would want and that matches your brand, and then share it with them.Think about what would make your client comfortable and ready to say “yes" and then share that on social media, showcase that on your website and have client testimonials.There is a big difference between price gouging and up-charging everything, Set up your pricing structure to allow for an “easy yes” from your clients. Breaking up the payments and services will help reduce sticker shock.Don’t limit your clients by assuming they would say “no” to your prices and services.There is room at the table for you, so raise your prices.Look at your local market and see what people are spending on your services.Then look at how much do you need to be sustainable, and then how much profit you need to make the salary you desire.Find Ash atashleyholstein.cominstagram.com/ashleyholsteinCourse on Offering Prints - Promo CodeWhat Are We Loving?What Ash is loving:Book - Time Magazine Book on PhotojournalismTV Show - Station 11 ( HBOmax )What John is loving:TV Show - The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (Netflix)

Allison is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based near Cleveland, Ohio who is also a registered yoga teacher.“If we are not at our best, then there is no way that our businesses can be at their best either.”This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomWhat is Self-Care?Self-care is something you can do regularly to fill you up and bring you joy. This will look differently for everyone. The 6 Different Types of Self-CareIdentify what your self-care looks like. Ask yourself what feels like you and what will make you feel nothing but happiness and joy.Put your self-care into your planner and calendar and treat it like any other appointment.Limit your excuses. Make your self care a priority.“Sometimes the best form of self-care is saying no to the things that no longer serve you and no longer bring you joy.”Make a list of the things that bring you joy. Pick one from the list and start putting it on your schedule to regularly do that thing.Mentioned in the show: Harvest Yoga and Wellness in Cuyahoga Falls, OHCosmic Yoga for Kids (Youtube)Fake Doctors, Real Friends (Scrubs Podcast)Find Allison atallisonewingphotography.cominstagram.com/allisonewingphotographyWhat Are We Loving?What Allison is loving:Podcast - The Office LadiesWhat John is loving: Cooler weather in Texas, fire places, hot cocoa, s’mores

Tyler is a wedding planner, designer and florist in Santa Barbara, California. He’s also a dad, husband, foster parent, and loves cooking.It’s so important to not only focus on what you do for work, but also what you do in life. Long after your business is gone, you’ll still be You.You have the power over your brand to stand firm on your pricing, tell people what they need to do in order to work with you, and in making decisions in your business.Connecting with people will propel your business.3 Areas of Connection:1- Connection with Clients2- Connection with fellow Vendors3- Connection with your TeamIt doesn’t matter how sought-after you are, or how long you’ve been in the industry, treat people with kindness.Be intentional with the vendors you work with, with your clients, and with your team. Take your clients out for drinks after their engagement session, or bring a coffee to the planner the morning of the wedding, or take your second shooter out for lunch someday.Mentioned in the show: Author: Glennon Doyle MeltonPhotographer: Jose VillaFind Tyler atwww.tylerspeier.cominstagram.com/tylerspeierThis episode is sponsored byTave. Get your free 60 day trial by going to lightdarkco.com/taveWhat Are We Loving?What Tyler is loving:TV Show - Ozark Season 4 (Netflix)What John is loving:TV Show - His Dark Materials (HBO Max)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Britney is a business coach and pivot strategist based in Atlanta, GA helping business owners find the areas in which they need to pivot in order to better serve them as well as their clients. Today she’s sharing with us the art of pivoting. How you can move your business to the next level, and how to identify those areas you might need to pivot.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomThe 3 types of Pivots:Micro Pivot: You love what you do, but there are areas in your business that need to pivot.Macro Pivot: You want to stay in your industry, but you want to pivot your roll.Mega Pivot: A complete pivot away from where you are, and starting something new.“You are the Juice. It’s time to serve it up organic and fresh squeezed.”Nobody can do what you do, the way that you do it.How to know when you should pivot? Your gut will tell you, your people will tell you, your business will tell you, and your attitude will tell you.Don’t be afraid to move away from what you know and what you’re known for. If it’s better aligned for you, then do that. Find Britney atwww.britneyjeanine.cominstagram.com/britneyjeanineWhat Are We Loving?What Britney is loving:Resting and going full forceWhat John is loving:TV Show - 20th Anniversary Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts (HBOmax)

John's wife, Taylor joins the show to interview John. She asks questions that you, the listeners, submitted.Topics of imposter syndrome, selling vs serving mindset, creativity in photography, community, and some helpful advice for second shooters. This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomFind John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/educationWhat is John loving?TV Show - Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)Snack - Mi Tiendo Fuego PeanutsWhat is Taylor loving?Self Care - Trip to see a friend and take rest

Carolina is a fellow podcast host at The Tog Republic Podcast, she is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Miami, Florida, and she’s a marketing expert. Today she’s sharing with us the 5 must-have web pages for your website and tips on what to include on each of those pages in order to attract your dream clients and repel the ones that aren’t a good fit.This episode is sponsored by Freedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomYour website is one of the best tool to attract future clients, build trust and reliability.1. Home Page or Landing PageHave your location on your home page. This will help with local leads as well as Google SEO rankings.Focus your home page on ONE niche of photography. You can have links to pages about your family photos or pet photos, but your main page should be what your main genre is.When you are choosing photos to display on your website, don’t focus on the clients you’ve already worked with, you should focus on photos that would speak to your potential new clients.You should have testimonials all throughout your website. Pick certain testimonials that align with each webpage, and only include a line or two of their quote. 2. About PageThis page should NOT be about you! It should be about how you can serve and guide your client through their problems and to their goal.Leave breadcrumbs all over your website. Point the user where you want them to go next. 3. Portfolio PageHave 20-30 photos that showcase your style, and how it feels to work with you. Don’t let it sit stagnant, but update your portfolio at least every quarter.Have your social media icons at the bottom of your pages. Don’t have them front and center. You want them to stay on your site without getting distracted with the sea of notifications.4. Contact PageYou need to have a page where people can contact you and inquire.Avoid using phrases like “Book Now” that imply a large step forward for the user. Instead use phrases like “Contact Me” or “See if Your Date is Available.”Don’t have a super short contact form, but also don’t have 100 questions in there. Carolina recommends having at least their names, phone number, email, wedding date, and throw in a question that they aren’t prepared for, such as “What’s your favorite TV show” or “Is a hotdog a sandwich”. These are simple and easy questions for them but it’ll set you apart from all the other contact forms.Be sure to reference that extra question later when you contact them.5. BlogUse your blog as a resource for your clients and potential clients in a way that helps them and guides them along on their journey. Answer some pain points and give your opinion on how they can have a more simple and streamlined planning process.Leave breadcrumbs at the end of each blog post that point toward other blogs or pages on your site that are relevant to that blog’s topic.Find Carolina atwww.carolinaguzik.comwww.thetogrepublic.cominstagram.com/carolina_guzikinstagram.com/thetogrepublicWhat Are We Loving?What Carolina is loving:TV Show - The Great British Bake Off (Netflix)John’s add-on - Old Gregg from the Mighty Boosh Show with Noal FeildingWhat John is loving:TV Show - The Good Place Season 4 (Netflix)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

John shares some tips on how to prepare for a wedding show, open house, or expo in a way that will maximize your benefits and leads.This episode is sponsored byFreedom Edits. Get 30% off your first order by going to lightdarkco.com/freedomWhen preparing for a wedding show, open house, expo or any other time you’ll be showcasing your services, you need to create a landing page for those in attendance to access.That landing page should have a portfolio that highlights what your ideal client values. If you are at a certain venue for an open house, add more photos taken at that venue.Have a photo of your face smiling at the camera. That will help when couples are going through dozens of websites and then they’ll better remember you and how you made them feel.Include your pricing on the landing page. It could be as small as a “starting at” price, but having something will either qualify them, or send them on their way.And lastly, have some sort of an incentive for them to take action with you right away. This could be a certain amount off, free prints/products, extra hours, but the most important part is that you choose something that your ideal client will hold value in.Use a QR code on a handout or business card for them to easily access your website without having to type a lot into their browser.Reach out to other vendors who you know will also be participating in the show. Offer them prints of images you’ve taken on their services/products. Or offer them photos to be taken on them. And most importantly, follow up with your leads! Email them, text them, send them a video message. Let them know that you took notice that they stopped by.Enter the Giveaway before February 1, 2022. More info at lightdarkco.com/giveawayFind John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/educationWhat am I loving?Movie - Don’t Look Up (Netflix)We record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

John shares why it’s so important to communicate and reset clients’ expectations when you are feeling overwhelmed and not hitting deadlines.This episode is sponsored byTave. Get your free 60 day trial by going to lightdarkco.com/taveIf you’re listening the week this comes out, you probably realized it’s later than our usual Monday morning release. That has everything to do with today’s topic. Overwhelm.2021 was insane for many of us. 2020 reschedules, on top of all the 2021 couples. Plus more pandemic, working in dangerous conditions, and just plain exhaustion.The last few months in particular have been a struggle. They’re busy months, sicknesses, lots of work, holidays, emotional stress, deaths in the family, editing program issues, covid effecting those around us.I used to stress myself out about meeting deadlines and expectations that I had set with my clients, my family, and myself. I still do at times. I would get in my head and tell myself that they would be so disappointed in me and leave terrible reviews.With everything happening the last few months, I’ve had to revisit some of the deadlines and move them out. Much like releasing this episode on a Thursday instead of Monday.It has been freeing this fall to revisit expectations and move forward with new ones.When you see that you’re going to miss a deadline, reach out before you pass it.Be humble and explain what’s going on. Not making excuses, just explaining.Set new deadlines that you can definitely deliver on.Offer a gift or discount as a thank you if you want.The perfectionist in my soul would have died with the amount of late deliveries, missed deadlines, and overall “Not perfection” that was a majority of 2021.So set expectations for your couples, try your best to meet them, and if the world throws all the curveballs at you, revisit those expectations and agree to new ones. Your clients will feel respected and cared for even if they are bummed that their photos aren’t ready yet.Enter the Giveaway before February 1, 2022. More info at lightdarkco.com/giveawayFind John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/educationWhat am I loving?Podcast - Black Shutter Podcast by Idris Talib SolomonWe record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.Follow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Laura is a multi-passionate entrepreneur based in New Jersey. She’s a wedding and portrait photographer at Laura Lee Photography, a brand photographer at Laura Lee Creative, and a business coach at Find Your Freedom Co.Today she's bringing super actionable steps to set up automations, workflows and systems in your business so you can streamline your work, maximize your productivity, and create more time for you do spend on what you want.Sponsor: ShipStationGet your free 30 day trial and make it 60 days by checking it out at lightdarkco.com/shipstationShownotes at lightdarkco.com/podcast/96Take the first step to finally taking back your time by streamlining your business with powerful workflows & systems! Download Laura Lee Creative's FREE Quickstart Guide for business owners with 10 must-do actions to add to your workflow to increase profits, skyrocket your efficiency and improve your client experience! Click here to download now!Follow along:instagram.com/lauraleecreativeinstagram.com/findyourfreedomcowww.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

John shares how you can set goals, break those down into actionable steps, and work through them and through the uncomfortable times in order to hit those goals.Shownotes: lightdarkco.com/podcast/95This episode is sponsored byTave. Get your free 60 day trial by going to lightdarkco.com/taveJoin for the next LIVE recordinglightdarkco.com/listenFind John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/education

Jon Canlas is a family and portrait photographer based in Provo, Utah. He owns the FIND Lab a film scanning and digital editing lab. He is one of the founders of the Hybrid Collective and he hosts workshops and a course on film photography called Film is Not Dead.Today we get into why we take photos, the importance of personal work, and why you need to be photographing the ones you love.Shownotes at lightdarkco.com/podcast/94The Light and Dark Photography Podcast is brought to you by Shipstation.ShipStation a web-based shipping and packaging platform that makes shipping your products and prints so easy!Get your free 30 day trial and make it 60 days by checking it out at lightdarkco.com/shipstationFollow us at www.instagram.com/jonathancanlaswww.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Angelica Pompy is a Boudoir, Maternity, and Newborn photographer in Jacksonville, Florida. Today on the podcast, she shares about how you create a safe place for your boudoir clients and why that makes so much of a difference.The Light and Dark Photography Podcast is brought to you by Tave. Get your free 30 day trial and make it 60 days by checking it out at lightdarkco.com/taveFind Angelica at www.pompyportraits.cominstagram.com/pompyportraitsAnd follow the show at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphoto

Miguel Angel of San Angel Photography. He and his wife, Maryann are founders of their College Station based Wedding and Portrait photography business. Miguel shares about hobbies and how they can help boost your creativity, give your mind a reset to dive further into business, and create some great connections with clients and potential clients.Shownotes: lightdarkco.com/podcast/92Sponsor: Tave CRMGet your extended 60 day Free trial at lightdarkco.com/taveinstagram.com/miguelmakesmusic_instagram.com/sanangelphotoFollow us at www.instagram.com/lightdarkcowww.instagram.com/allheartphotoWe record each episode LIVE in our Facebook group and we would love to connect with you there. You can join at Light + Dark Photography Podcast Group on Facebook.

Joey Mac Dizon is the co-founder and CEO of the New Jersey based Mobile Cigar Lounge where they bring the cigar experience to events and roll premium cigars in person.Today's episode is packed full of amazing insight and conversation. We talk about serving your clients well, what you need to think about before growing a team, why you should never stop learning.instagram.com/themobilecigarloungeShownotes: www.lightdarkco.com/podcast/91Sponsor: Tave CRMwww.lightdarkco.com/taveFollow us atinstagram.com/lightdarkcoinstagram.com/allheartphoto

John Mansfield shares some great ways to show up with genuine enthusiasm for our clients, build that trust, and deliver the best service and product for them.Shownotes: lightdarkco.com/podcast/90This episode is sponsored byShipStation. Get your free 60 day trial by going to lightdarkco.com/shipstationMentioned in the episode#504 of the Bokeh Podcast - How to Bring Genuine Energy to Client InteractionsJoin for the next LIVE recordinglightdarkco.com/listenFind John atallheartphoto.cominstagram.com/allheartphotoallheartphoto.com/education

John reminds us about the power we hold in our hands as we photograph people.Show notes: www.lightdarkco.com/podcast/89instagram.com/allheartphotoJoin LIVE at lightdarkco.com/joinfbFollow us atinstagram.com/lightdarkcoinstagram.com/allheartphoto

John shares how we can take criticism and negativity and use it to grow in life and in business.Show notes: www.lightdarkco.com/podcast/88instagram.com/allheartphotoJoin LIVE at lightdarkco.com/joinfbFollow us atinstagram.com/lightdarkcoinstagram.com/allheartphoto

Erika and Lanny of Two Mann Studios have been named two of the top wedding photographers in the world. Today they are sharing their mindset on creating authentic images for our clients and how to open up to creativity in your photography.Show notes: www.lightdarkco.com/podcast/87instagram.com/twomannstudiosSponsor: Tavewww.lightdarkco.com/taveJoin LIVE at lightdarkco.com/joinfbFollow us atinstagram.com/lightdarkcoinstagram.com/allheartphoto

Joseph West has been a wedding and editorial photographer for over 10 years and is based out of Houston, Texas. He shares about building connections with people, seeking out emotional details, and his love for west Texas.Show notes: www.lightdarkco.com/podcast/86instagram.com/josephwestSponsor: Shipstationlightdarkco.com/shipstationJoin LIVE at lightdarkco.com/joinfbFollow us atinstagram.com/lightdarkcoinstagram.com/allheartphoto

John shares how and when to ask for reviews and how to use them to gain new clients.Show notes: www.lightdarkco.com/podcast/85instagram.com/allheartphotoJoin LIVE at lightdarkco.com/joinfbFollow us atinstagram.com/lightdarkcoinstagram.com/allheartphoto

Madison Raney is a wedding and concert photographer based out of Dallas, Texas. She shares how she’s taken aspects of Concert photography and used them for wedding photography, and how you can do so with most any type of photography.Show notes: www.lightdarkco.com/podcast/84instagram.com/earthtomadisonSponsor: Shipstationlightdarkco.com/shipstationJoin LIVE at lightdarkco.com/joinfbFollow us atinstagram.com/lightdarkcoinstagram.com/allheartphoto

Tamera Darden is a product photographer in DC and today we're talking about setting client expectations, creative a vision for a shoot,and some inside details of product photography.Show notes: www.lightdarkco.com/podcast/83Sponsor: Tavewww.lightdarkco.com/taveinstagram.com/tamera.dardenJoin LIVE at lightdarkco.com/joinfbFollow us atinstagram.com/lightdarkcoinstagram.com/allheartphoto

John shares about how as business owners we often will undervalue ourselves, and how to change your mindset when it comes to pricing your services.Show notes: www.lightdarkco.com/podcast/82Join LIVE at lightdarkco.com/joinfbFollow us atinstagram.com/lightdarkcoinstagram.com/allheartphoto

Fer Juaristi is a wedding and lifestyle photographer in Monterrey, Mexico who aims to honor life through genuine individuals who want to capture their love story.We talk about taking risks in your business, how to attract the clients who want what you want to shoot, and how to gain inspiration and knowledge from outside of the photography scene.Shownotes at: lightdarkco.com/podcast/81Sponsor: Tavelightdarkco.com/tave for your 60 free trial.Follow Fer at instagram.com/ferjuaristiinstagram.com/lightdarkcoinstagram.com/allheartphoto