The Podcast for Pet Photographers
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S16E11 | Don’t let fear hold you back with Alex Cearns
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!
S16E10 | Guaranteeing a minimum $2000 sale with Jane Thomson
Over the last few years I’ve seen how trends have changed and pet photographers around the world have introduced new business models and pricing structures.
But today’s guest is the exception.
She found what works for her early on, and she’s sticking to it. By pricing herself this way she is consistently hitting her averages, and attracting the type of client she wants- all by word of mouth!
I’m talking about Jane Thomson whose work is pure art and absolutely gorgeous, and I am stoked to have her on the show today.
S15E05 | Is it really the economy or have we just become lazy in business?
Are you blaming the economy, or the Facebook algorithms for your lack of leads and clients? The tough love in this episode with Johl Dunn is for you. There was lots of real talk, and actionable ideas shared by Johl who ran a photography business for 22 years- pre-Facebook, through the GFC and during Covid too.
S14E01 | Booking clients all over Europe who choose YOU instead of a cheaper local photographer
If you are feeling like you’re stuck in an echo-chamber of information today’s guest is sure to show you a different way. I’m chatting with german photographer Anika Lauer.
She started off as a wedding photographer, then transitioned into pets and opened a studio space which she shares with a newborn photographer, even though she is now combining shooting with travel and often has clients out of town or even out of Germany!
If your ears perked up at travel.. You will love the strategy that Anika used to get her first few “international” clients, and it’s something you can do right now!
S14 bonus | Photographers are three times more likely to experience mental illness
Did you know that photographers are three times more likely to experience mental illness than the general population?
We’re kickstarting Season 14, and the podcast for 2023 with a conversation around this very important topic with Jessica McGovern from That Tog Spot who not only shares her own experiences, but has also extensively researched Mental Health and the impact on photographers.
Tune in as we break down the three biggest factors and what can be done
S10E11 | Sarah Stangl Raised Her Swiss Dog Photography Prices by 75% - and Business Boomed!
When Sarah Stangl was faced with the unnerving realisation that her pet photography side hustle was not profitable enough to become her full-time job, she knew she’d have to either raise her prices, or quit altogether. She took the leap, bumped her prices by significant 75% and focused on creating incredible hiking dog photo experiences in the Swiss Alps. Tune into our in depth interview with Sarah Stangl of Abenteuerhunde to find out all about her European adventure dog photography business.
S10E10 | Four Ways to Boost Your Business with Personal Projects
Whether you're just starting out in the world of professional pet photography, or you're a seasoned pro, a familiar trap that many of us can fall into is creating photography for our clients and not ourselves.
Creating a personal photography project will not only reignite your passion for your craft, but it can also seriously boost your business.
Tune into this week’s episode to learn about four ways personal projects have helped increase my client base, revenue and marketing strategies.
S10E03 | Rewiring Your Money Mindset for Sales Success with Johl Dunn
Every now and then we have a guest on the show who gives me the exact kick-up-the-bum I didn’t know I needed. Johl Dunn of JD Mindset Coaching is that guest! He was one of our most popular presenters at the Pet Photographers Conference earlier this year, so we just knew we had to get Johl back to the Pet Photographers Club to share more of his expert advice and actionable tips for rewiring your mindset. We were so caught up in the conversation with Johl that we ended up going DOUBLE overtime (oops, sorry Johl haha) - it’s a fascinating conversation and one you definitely don’t want to miss!
S9E05 | Dog Brand Ambassadors, Book Launches and Maternity Leave - GoalTrackers Season 9
Today I was joined by Kelly Schulz of K Schulz Photography in Bloomington, Minnesota and Ina Jalil of Ina J Photography in Canberra for our season 9 Goal Trackers meeting.
Eavesdrop into our conversation about everything from book launches to doggy brand ambassadors and if you haven’t already, we’d love for YOU to share your Top Three Goals for the next three months over in the Mastermind Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/The.Pet.Photographers.Club
S9E02 | Thinking Outside the (Category) Box for the Awards with Saskia Rosebrock
With entries now open for the 2021 International Pet Photographer of the Year Awards, we thought it would be the perfect time to chat with the 2020 Category Winner, Saskia Rosebrock of SasR Photography. Saskia wowed the judges with her outside the box interpretation of the ‘Pets and their People’ category and in today’s episode she shares her own experience with entering - and winning - during the awards, plus her journey as a landscape-loving dog photographer.
S8E05 | How Caitlin Hodges Launched Her Studio at the Age of 20
At the age of just 20 years old - and in the midst of a global pandemic - Caitlin Hodges transformed an industrial unit into a professional pet photography studio and launched to a fully booked calendar of excited clients.
Want to know just how she did it? Tune into today’s interview with this talented photographer, as Kirstie and Caitlin learn all about her journey. Don’t miss out on the special extended version of this episode too, as Caitlin Hodges shared all the juicy details of studio launch special, pricing and using Facebook groups to grow your business.
S7E07 | Why Your Clients Love You with Kim Hartz
Have you ever asked your clients outright why they love you? Kinda awkward - but SO important. Our guest today, the fabulous Kim Hartz of Kim Hartz Photography and Through the Business Lens podcast, battled her nerves and called up some of her best clients to ask them that very question - “What is it that you love about working with me?” The answers surprised her!
Tune into this episode to hear how Kim used those calls in her rebranding journey, plus so much more (including insights into setting boundaries when you work from home, getting personal on your about page, setting yourself up for success with Planning Client Sessions and how to attract your ideal client). Yes, this is a jampacked episode, one you DEFINITELY don’t want to miss!
S7E03 | Ease "Photographers Back" as Kirstie McConnell shares some Pilates Stretches
Co-host Kirstie McConnell was a pet photographer for 8 years before moving to Italy this year. Before her move she always studied to become a Pilates instructor and now teaches classes online to her clients around the world. As a photographer herself, she understands the aches and pains that come with the job, when you don’t give your body the attention it asks for! And so she has created the FOCUSED Pilates program especially for photographers. Next program begins in November. Find out more here.
S7E02 | Photographing Service Dogs with Cris Skinner
Cris Skinner of The Journey Photos is a dog photographer based in the rugged and picturesque state of Alaska, USA. As a former United States Marine, she was inspired by Cooper, her medical alert service dog, to create two special photography series. These projects - ‘I Am Your Constant In The Chaos’ and ‘I am Your Calm in the Storm’ - are about honoring the incredible work of Service Dogs. Join us in this video Member Spotlight episode as we chat to Cris all about her business, her photography and her inspiration behind these incredible images.
S6E01 | Photographing LGBTQ People and their Rescue Dogs with Jack Jackson
Beautifully timed with the end of Pride Month, we’re starting this season learning all about the Don’t You Want Me project. This documentary photographic series showcases the beauty and resilience of LGBTQ+ people with their rescued dogs. Jack Jackson, co-founder of the project (and fellow member of the Pet Photographers Club!) joined the podcast to tell us all about it.
Don’t You Want Me is a global social impact photo project - think Humans of New York, except with powerful queer and trans narratives combined with cute dogs - the project is bringing people to tears.
Photographers, dog lovers and humans on a mission Jack Jackson (Toronto) and Deb Klein (UK via Brooklyn) have joined forces to tell these powerful stories. In today’s episode, we chatted with Jack to find out their inspiration behind the project, the impact it’s having in the community and their goals for the future of DYWM.
S5E11 | One to One Gratitude Sessions with Anastasia Chomlack
Anastasia Chomlack has found a way to bring photographers together and encourage the community around her, despite these weird and uncertain times. She runs a wedding collective (which we discussed during the extended episode) and specialises in business branding, but what we really wanted to dive into today was her fantastic new initiative - One-for-One Gratitude Sessions.
S5E10 | Coping with Coronavirus
In this video deepdive, Kirstie and Caitlin are discuss different strategies they're using to keep their own businesses alive during coronavirus lockdown.Usually these deepdive episodes are for members only, but we thought we would share the audio with everyone today, just to spread some motivation, inspiration and knowledge during this weird, weird time. We hope you’re okay, staying safe and sane. As always, if there is anything we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out - we’re all in this together!
S5E08 | Tiffany Kelly on how the Barking Beautiful Project transformed her business
I am a full time vet clinic administrator by day, and by night and weekend I run my pet photography business, Noble Soul Photography. Noble Soul was created, and named in honor of my heart dog, Watson - who was just about as noble as they come.I have studied photography for over a decade, but have only been actively working as a business since 2018. I was scared to make the leap to being a professional photographer, and worried I wouldn't have enough time - but one thing I have learned: when it counts - you will make the time!I walk a fine line between my regular career and my side business, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. As for me personally, I am a super nerdy techie, and I am a sucker for anything crafty!
S5E02 | Snapshot - Goal Smashing in 2020
In this week's Deepdive Episode, we're chatting all about setting and smashing goals for this next decade
Watch our full 20 minute episode to hear our personal and business goals and join in the discussion online with our members in The Pet Photographer’s Club on Facebook.
S4E09 | Snapshot - Care of Artwork Guides for Clients
In this week's Deepdive Episode, we're discussing the importance of educating your clients on how to look after their artwork and sharing our own examples of "Care of Artwork Cards". Should this be considered part of our responsibility and/or service?
Watch our full 20 minute episode to see exactly what Kirstie and I include on our cards, and join in the discussion online with our members in The Pet Photographer’s Club on Facebook.