S16E11 | Don’t let fear hold you back with Alex Cearns
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We’ve heard it before, business is not for the faint-hearted and today’s guest agrees.
I’m talking about Alex Cearns who’s been in business for 15 years and has worked with pet photographers from all corners of the globe.
We covered many topics including the usual business structures, marketing and products, but the common theme throughout was not to let fear hold you back in business.
If you’ve caught yourself getting down after comparing your average sales to other photographers, or beating yourself up over the peaks and troughs of business, Alex’s message is sure to hit home.
In the members second-half, Alex shared how she’s booking 250 clients a year, what they’re buying, why they don’t ask for digitals and her thoughts on social media for marketing.
There’s great takeaways from this episode no matter what stage you’re at in business, so tune in!
We covered:
The business structure of Houndstooth Studio
Characteristics to be successful
Business is not linea
Fake it ‘til you make it
Get in front of people and talk passionately about what you do
How to appreciate where you’re currently at with your sales when you see your friends making 5 figures
IN THE MEMBERS-ONLY EXTENDED EPISODE:
Organic bookings are all but dead, so how is Alex booking 250 shoots a year?
What clients are buying
Social media expectations
What one thing has the biggest impact on a successful business
Mentioned links:
CLUB CHANGES
For the first time since the launch of The Pet Photographers Club six years ago, a price rise is coming.
That price rise is because the new membership structure will include over $150 worth of bonus content for monthly members, and even more for annual members. Of course, there is also 16 seasons of interviews in the archives of the podcast! That's a lot of valuable content collected over the years!
Don't worry existing members- your payments won't change. The new price is only for new sign-ups from 1st October 2024.
Not yet a member? You can lock in the current low price. Sign up now.
Alex Cearns
Houndstooth Studio & Black Cat Consulting, Australia
Dogs Today Magazine UK called Alex Cearns “One of our greatest dog photographers in the world”. Australian photographer Alex Cearns crafts exquisite animal portraits that convey the intrinsic joy people find in animals. As Creative Director of Houndstooth Studio, she has photographed over 15,000 beloved pets. Her clients include engaged pet lovers, leading corporate brands, international animal charities, and wildlife conservation organizations. Her images have been published extensively in worldwide media, books, magazines and advertising campaigns.
An undisputed leader in her niche, Alex is the recipient of more than 350 awards for her photography, business and philanthropy, and in 2019 she was distinguished with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) from the Council for the Order of Australia for her service to the community through charitable organizations. She is an Ambassador for Tamron, Benq, Spider Holster, Studio Ninja, and Ilford Imaging Australia and is a SanDISK Mentor.
Alex is the published author of seven (soon to be eight) books available globally. Her influence among animal lovers, photographers and the pet industry includes a strong following on social media. She contributes regularly to magazines, blogs, radio and television and leads photo tours to interesting wildlife destinations. Her photography has taken her to all seven continents.
Inspired to help other photographers achieve their business goals, Alex launched Black Cat Consulting in 2018 and since then has coached and mentored hundreds of photographers all over the world.
