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This episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast is another "Mini" episode answering listener questions from the previous show-- The Boudoir Q&A show.    Just a quick solo episode to answer some listener submitted questions from the last episode with Christora. Enjoy!     Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Christora Osters of Green Apple Photography. Christora is a Louisville, KY based wedding photographer and podcast host. A few months ago I met Christora when I was a guest on the podcast she hosts with Tom Russo called The Capture Crew. Christora is an established wedding photographer who has been looking to add boudoir photography to her business. We thought it would be a fun idea to have a boudoir Q&A episode and to dig into some questions about getting started in boudoir.   Topics Discussed In This Episode: What kind of location do boudoir photographers need? What makes a great boudoir session? What communication helps create trust with your clients? How did you get the word out initially about your specialty of women's boudoir? What's the best advice you have for a photographer trying to enter the boudoir field? Who is your ideal client and why? What kind of outfits do you recommend and why? When is the best time of day to photograph boudoir? How important is posing? Do you have a go-to pose? What kind of lighting/props/etc should a new boudoir photographer utilize?   Links/Products In This Episode: SpyderCheckr Warm Welcome Video Email Promo Code: REF2897   Where To Find Christora Osters: Website: Green Apple Weddings Instagram: Green Apple Weddings TikTok: Green Apple Weddings Podcast Website: The Capture Crew Podcast   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Kirstie Jones of Kirstie Marie Photography and the Learn With Kirstie Marie educational and business training website. Kirstie is a Dallas, TX based equine portrait photographer and educator. Kirstie Jones is an equine portrait photographer and educator located in Dallas, Texas. She founded Kirstie Marie Photography in 2013, and since then her work has been published in dozens of equine publications in advertising, editorial and cover spots. She conducts more than 50 private portrait session each year, obtaining an average of over $3,000 per client. She’s also worked with more than a dozen corporate clients, including SmartPak, Hobby Horse and Ride TV.  Kirstie earned a BBA in finance from the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University, where she also rode as a scholarship athlete for the TCU Equestrian Team. Prior to launching her full-time photography business, Kirstie worked in sales for a software company and in finance as an investor relations associate for an asset management firm.   Photos Discussed In This Episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEzfphhHbv9/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CB8uXTan18G/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CBojRWfHmbS/    Topics Discussed In This Episode: Photo Review with Kirstie. Kirstie's history in college equestrian sports.  Can you have success outside of horse country? Do people get in over their head in horses? Logistics of equine photography. Gear for equine photography. Do you only work with horse owners? The mechanics of getting the right shot. Is every horse suitable? Will horses stand still for a photo? Working in commercial equine photography. Kirstie's experiences with commercial photography.   Links/Products In This Episode: -None   Where To Find Arnica Rae: Website: Kirstie Marie Photography Education: Learn With Kirstie Marie Instagram: Kirstie Marie Photography   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I continue the conversation with Arnica Rae of Arnica Spring Photography and The Natural Light Portrait Studio. Arnica is a Montana based boudoir, glamour & commercial photographer and educator. Arnica started her path into professional photography as a mere coincidence-- with an opportunity to earn a few extra dollars taking photos of guests at a ranch. She quickly realized there was an opportunity to make more money in photography than there was from her regular job at that time. So, the inspiration hit her to grow and develop her photography business-- and she took action. After spending some time in the wedding business, and a chance encounter with a Sue Bryce seminar, she knew the direction where she wanted her business to go-- to become a high end glamour and boudoir photography entity. Now Arnica shares her knowledge and experience with others who want to grow their photography businesses with The Natural Light Portrait Studio website.   Photos Discussed In This Episode: https://instagram.com/p/B7AN6a4npIp/ https://instagram.com/p/Bz_l2gxjKPQ https://instagram.com/p/B4gFythnUvS    Topics Discussed In This Episode: Photo Review with Arnica. Arnica's business intro video. The importance of video. Arnica's start in photography There are so many poor boudoir photographers... Getting started in boudoir. The $75 boudoir photographer. How to gain 150 boudoir customers...overnight. Arnica's 5 Phase Planner Learning the basics. Portfolio Building. Business Building Business Maintenance Business Growth & Development   Links/Products In This Episode: Download Arnica's 5 Phases Business Planner   Where To Find Arnica Rae: Website: The Natural Light Portrait Studio Instagram: Arnica Spring Portrait   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Arnica Rae of Arnica Spring Photography and The Natural Light Portrait Studio. Arnica is a Montana based boudoir, glamour & commercial photographer and educator. Arnica started her path into professional photography as a mere coincidence-- with an opportunity to earn a few extra dollars taking photos of guests at a ranch. She quickly realized there was an opportunity to make more money in photography than there was from her regular job at that time. So, the inspiration hit her to grow and develop her photography business-- and she took action. After spending some time in the wedding business, and a chance encounter with a Sue Bryce seminar, she knew the direction where she wanted her business to go-- to become a high end glamour and boudoir photography entity. Now Arnica shares her knowledge and experience with others who want to grow their photography businesses with The Natural Light Portrait Studio website.   Photos Discussed In This Episode: https://instagram.com/p/B7AN6a4npIp/ https://instagram.com/p/Bz_l2gxjKPQ https://instagram.com/p/B4gFythnUvS    Topics Discussed In This Episode: Photo Review with Arnica. Arnica's business intro video. The importance of video. Arnica's start in photography There are so many poor boudoir photographers... Getting started in boudoir. The $75 boudoir photographer. How to gain 150 boudoir customers...overnight. Arnica's 5 Phase Planner Learning the basics. Portfolio Building. Business Building Business Maintenance Business Growth & Development   Links/Products In This Episode: Download Arnica's 5 Phases Business Planner   Where To Find Arnica Rae: Website: The Natural Light Portrait Studio Instagram: Arnica Spring Portrait   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with is Trevor Sherwin of Provocateur Images in Toronto, Canada. Trevor has been a professional boudoir photographer for eight years, and been involved in the business of photography for even longer. I wanted to have a chat with Trevor about camera gear, and making smart decisions about what to buy. Additionally, I talk a bit about my new purchase, and we answer a few listener questions from the mail bag. Argh! I'm so sorry, I somehow screwed up my audio levels while recording and my audio sounds baaaadddd. I tried to fix it as best I could... but it's still pretty horrible. Sorry! 😥   Topics Discussed In This Episode: Mike's new camera purchase. A few camera tips for beginners. Answering listener questions.   Links/Products In This Episode:     Where To Find Trevor Sherwin: Provocateur Images Website - https://provocateurimages.ca/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/provocateur_images/     Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Tori Kelner of Tori Kelner Photography. Tori is a wedding photographer and photography mentor. Tori's love of photography started when she was in middle school, and her passion to learn has carried her to where she is today-- a thriving wedding photographer. Tori's path to becoming a professional wedding photographer may have been influenced by sending a single email... Curious? In this episode we learn about how taking a chance can pay off, and not only that-- can change your career path, and help build an unexpected relationships that can last a lifetime.   Topics Discussed In This Episode: How Covid has changed weddings. The positive effect of Covid on weddings... elopements. Mini wedding, micro wedding, elopements... Where are you finding wilderness in NJ? How should photographers deal with "influencers." Mike's experience with requests from "influencers." Online followers don't equal influence.  Tori's start in wedding photography. Tori's journey through photography education. Finding your mentor. Developing your photography style. Becoming a photography mentor. Why Instagram is an important tool for photographers.   Links/Products In This Episode: Flickr Jennifer Larsen Photography   Where To Find Tori Kelner: Website: Tori Kelner Photographer Instagram: Tori Kelner     Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Sarah Spackman of Sarah Jessica Photography. Sarah is a wedding photographer, educator, and YouTube creator. Sarah's love of photography started when she was young after picking up her mom's old digital camera to take family vacation photos. She fell in love with documenting life in an artistic way, and next thing found herself in photography classes in school... then suddenly she was a full time wedding photographer. Now she is a western wedding specialist, business educator, marketing queen, crazy horse girl, and all around hype-gal.   Photos Discussed In This Episode: Photo 1: https://www.instagram.com/p/CDZ1kZqpMu2/ Photo 2: https://www.instagram.com/p/CE0dREmpYzY/   Topics Discussed In This Episode: Getting started in western weddings. Working outside in the west. Effect of Covid on western weddings. Why you should be showing up on social media. The difference between you and every other photographer... yourself! The process of letting your audience get to know you. Serving before selling. Using Instagram as a branding tool. Is genuine better than perfect? Consistency is important. People are more likely to buy from people they know.   Links/Products In This Episode: None     Where To Find Sarah Spackman: Website: Sarah Jessica Photography Instagram: Sarah Jessica Photo Facebook Group: SJP Society     Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Joy Aleman of Joy Michelle Photography. Joy is a photographer, educator, and YouTube creator. Joy started her photography business in 2013 and hasn't looked back. She's passionate about her work and nothing is more important to her than the ability to tell a unique love story through her artistic imagery. Joy has expanded her influence in photography via her YouTube channel, her Photo Boss Community, and her Accelerator Mentor Sessions, where she is truly enthusiastic about helping others turn photography into a profitable business.   Topics Discussed In This Episode: Joy's start in photography. Getting started in wedding photography. Leveraging social media to attract clients. Why Instagram is a no-brainer for photographers. Starting by building trust with your audience. Training your audience to think of you... Quality wins over quantity on social media. Staying targeted. Why "Superfans" are so important. Is important getting yourself out there on social media? Why timeliness is important when responding to clients. Smart ways to grow your social media following. The value of persistence. Looking out for fake photography "gurus." Creating work-life balance as a photography mom. "Automating" your life. Focusing on the most profitable task Saying no to the "good" so you can say yes to the "great."   Links/Products In This Episode: Book - The Compound Effect, by Dan Hardy     Where To Find Joy Aleman: Website: Joy Michelle Photography Instagram: Joy Michelle YouTube: Joy Michelle Photography Facebook Group: Photo Boss With Joy Michelle Free Masterclass: 5-Step Framework To Attract Dream Brides   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Nicole Begley of Hair Of The Dog. Nicole is a photographer, educator, author & podcast host. Nicole specializes in pet photography, and in this episode we have a detailed conversation about the fundamentals of building a profitable photography business, why starting out on the right foot is so important, creating brand alignment, and more! Talk about lots of information! The information here goes way beyond pet photography and covers the essential building blocks for anyone interested in starting a photography business. Nicole Begley, M. Photog. Cr, CPP, is a zoological animal trainer turned pet photographer and educator. She is the founder of Hair of the Dog, an online community in which she empowers pet photographers to turn their dreams into reality and helps them create successful and profitable businesses. Nicole has authored a book “Pet and Equine Photography for Everyone”, available on Amazon. She established Nicole Begley Photography in Pittsburgh, PA in 2010 but now serves the market of Charlotte, NC. Nicole shares her home with her husband, two small humans, and her Puerto Rican rescue dog Zoey. Oh yes, she is also Chief of Staff to Emma the cat. She is the creator of the #selfiedog series, a travel addict, and a chocolate martini connoisseur.   Topics Discussed In This Episode: Why starting your photography business on the right foot is important. First steps in setting up your photography pricing. Setting your photography business goals. Why you should not compare yourself to others. Learning to own who you are. Is the pet photography industry is still growing? What is the pet photography learning curve? Working in special situations with terminally ill pets. Steps in creating a high-end pet photography business. How to create value in your products. Steps in creating a high-value experience. Eliminating incongruencies in branding. Creating brand alignment. Dealing with low price competition. Thoughts about putting pricing on your website. Personalizing your sales process for maximum profitability.   Links/Products In This Episode: Toggl Track PPA   Hair Of The Dog Academy Trial Offer: $1 Hair Of The Dog Academy 7 Day Trial Offer   Where To Find Nicole Begley: Website: Hair Of The Dog Academy Website: Nicole Begley Photography Instagram: @hairofthedogacademy   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Darryl Stringer of Build A Photography Business. Darryl is real estate photographer who, along with his team, photographed thousands of properties over the coarse of his career. What's going on in this episode? Well, Darryl and I have a chat about real estate photography, and how it can be a great add-on to your existing photography business. Darryl has outlined a few important steps to help get your potentially lucrative RE photography business off the ground. Want to know more? --It's all in the episode! Darryl Stringer has been a professional photographer in Australia since 1998. During his early years he made a lot of mistakes but he figured out how to make it work as a real estate and architectural photographer, and by the time he sold his business in 2015 his company had made over $2.7 million in photography sales. Since then Darryl has been a full-time photography coach, working alongside photographers in the US, Canada, Australia and beyond. He helps photographers build their business, guides them towards making great choices, and provides the tools and resources that will enable them to be as successful as they want to be. Darryl lives in Brisbane with his wife and son, and he loves coffee, politics, bike riding and helping his local community.    Topics Discussed In This Episode: Intro to Darryl Stringer. Is RE photography a good add-on to your existing photography business? Is RE photography a growing industry? Is RE Photography for everyone? Darryl's 4-stage plan for adding RE photography. Building a foundation. Business pre-launch process. Building a strong RE photography portfolio. Organizing your soft-launch. Organizing your full launch. How to determine your pricing. Why RE pricing can seem low compared to portraiture. Some basics of architectural photography. Gear basics for RE photography.   Links/Products In This Episode: Godox Flashpoint   Where To Find Darryl Stringer: Website: Build A Photography Business Instagram: @buildaphotobusiness YouTube: Build A Photo Business Facebook: Build A Photo Business   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Becca Mathews of Naturally Vivid Photography Becca is a senior portrait photographer from Maryland who has grown her business by providing her clients with a completely personalized full service session experience. Becca and I discuss just how important and necessary individualized customer service is to growing a successful senior portrait business, along with her system of IPS, and other related topics. Becca Mathews is the owner of Naturally Vivid Photography and offers Maryland's most sought after senior portrait experience. After 5 years in business, she now enjoys providing education and mentoring to new photographers to help them build the businesses of their dreams, in addition to privately editing for established photographers as well.  You can view the beautiful images Becca and I were reviewing here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B7R7E7ch1uN/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CDMf-Nch5IQ/ https://www.instagram.com/p/B9QDtp2BnJv/   Topics Discussed In This Episode: Overcoming the stigma of being young and pursuing photography goals. Getting the photography business started while still in college. building your client base via styled senior portrait sessions. Booking all your senior spots early. Only working with a limited about of clients per month. Why turning away clients can improve your work. Outsourcing editing can be done to match your style. Presenting your pricing to clients. Running into "portrait moms" who know more than you... Becca's client experience process. Battling the public expectation of shoot and burn. Why new photographers underprice themselves. Developing your mentoring business.   Links/Products In This Episode: Toggl Track   Where To Find Becca Mathews: Instagram: @naturallyvividphotography Website: Naturally Vivid Photography   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

Welcome to the real-world masterclass for photographers.  In each episode we'll meet photographers who are really out there in the trenches.  They'll tell us how they got started, what drives them, and most importantly, what they've learned along the way-- with no B.S. and no magic bullets.  They'll tell us about their trials, their tribulations, what hurdles they've overcome, and ultimately the success that made them realize the struggle was totally worth it in the end. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single episode.   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe:  Subscribe to The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast   Donate: Support the show by donating here  

** FULL BONUS EPISODE**  Listen to this entire episode for free!  Like what you hear?  Get a 7 Day free trial membership to the show here: Intro Premium Membership Limited Offer   On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Allison Conelias of Allison Pamela Photography --Just two people talkin' boudoir photography. I talk with Allison about how she got started in her business, and she shares some great tips she's learned along the way, including why the client experience is so important to success. When you get two people together who really enjoy what they do you get a show like this! --Just two people talkin' about what they love doing. Allison is a Boston based boudoir photographer. She is a wife, mother, creator, writer, and fun-loving woman, which, believe it or not, works perfectly in a setting that can make clients feel vulnerable and nervous. She places high value on the luxury experience she provides and thrives on connecting with her clients on a personal level to understand their motivation for seeking out a boudoir experience. Beginning her career as a boudoir client herself and struggling with her own body image, she understands the importance of self-love, acceptance and body appreciation.   Topics Discussed In This Episode: Journey into boudoir from being a client first. Finding your own work space. The work involved in finding the right work space for you. Not just a boudoir photographer...I'm also a client. Remembering your first paid client. Early struggles in your business. Is discounting prices a good strategy to get business when starting. Getting advice from boudoir peers. "Non-advice" from photography "gurus." Allison's client experience process. Why the client relationship is so important in boudoir. Why makeup artists are important to the client experience. Creating a "safe space" for women to express their sexuality. Instagram tips for attracting ideal clients.   Links/Products In This Episode: n/a   Where To Find Allison Conelias: Instagram: @apboudoir Website: Allison Pamela Photography   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Jessie Wyman of Jessie Wyman Photography about her transition into the brand photography business. In her own words... "I'm owner of Jessie Wyman Photography and founder of The Brand Photographer Method. I have been shooting since 2011 but I have a background in urban planning and design. After going to grad school, I never went back to work full time, consulted in the field of urban planning and was able to build my photography business. But I realized that after every season of weddings and families I was exhausted, burnt out and always felt like I wasn't 'there' yet. I tried everything - families, weddings (which was my main focus) but also dogs, newborns, stock photography, IPS - you name it, I've tried it. Then I started hearing about brand photography - so I said 'sure why not!' and decided to hold a mini session event for branding photos. It was a complete financial loss - I only booked two clients, not enough to even cover the cost of the space rental - but I was in love! Ultimately I decided that is where I wanted to go -but I was terrified to niche down. I decided to add it to my services, but no one was booking. And of course it was the end of another wedding and family season and like every season before, I was left exhausted...wanting to quit all together. But I finally made the decision - to niche down to what I really love. So I stopped taking on more weddings and families and just transition to branding photographer. And 2 years later here I am - I can proudly say I specialize in Branding Photography!"   Topics Discussed In This Episode: Finding your path in photography. Differences preparing for branding photography vs bridal photography. Finding the balance between authenticity and curated looks. Finding the right way guide clients to selecting the best photos for their project. Where do branding photo sessions take place? Lighting for branding photography. Steps for adding branding photography to your existing mix of services. Using networking & referrals to build your business. Overcoming "impostor" syndrome. The B.R.A.N.D. Photographer Method   Links/Products In This Episode: Breather.com Homestudiolist.com   Where To Find Jessie Wyman: Course Signup/Info: The Brand Photographer Method Instagram: @jessiewymanphotos Instagram: @thebrandphotographermethod Website: Jessie Wyman Photography   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Tanya Smith of Tanya Smith Modern Portraits & Profitable Portraits about her path to creating a successful luxury boudoir photography business.   Tanya is a long time boudoir photographer with over a decade of experience making women beautiful. Through hard work and her philosophy of "stop over complicating things" Tanya grew her business and her revenue beyond her expectations.   In addition to running her business Tanya teaches aspiring photographers her system through her Profitable Portraits Education platform where she teaches the business of portrait photography, so photographers can finally stop working too many hours for little (or no) pay and transform their passion for photography into highly profitable, low stress careers.   Topics Discussed In This Episode: Do people make boudoir photography too complicated? At what point do you jump off and become a "pro?" You can be a mediocre photographer and make lots of money... Odd boudoir photography pricing schemes. Should you start off your career with high prices? How to introduce high end pricing. How to respond to client inquiries. Does geography limit your success? Tips for separating yourself from local competition. Understanding there will be more "no's" as a high end photographer. Part time means shooting less, not charging less. Not letting your on money prejudices get in your way. Getting started with vouchers. Getting sample photos from clients.   Links/Products In This Episode: Adobe Spark Toggl Tanya's Simple Sales Calculator   Where To Find Tanya Smith: On The Web: Tanya Smith Modern Portraits Instagram: Tanya Smith Website: Profitable Portraits   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Henry Chen of Wedding Chat Marketing about using the new strategy of chat marketing to grow leads for your photography business.   Henry Chen is a full-time wedding photographer of 13+ years, having captured 450+ weddings in Southern California.   These days, Henry's passion is in helping wedding pros, venues, and creative entrepreneurs earn more while saving time using chat marketing. He founded Wedding Chat Marketing and through his program, Wedding Chat Academy, he provides training and coaching to others in this new marketing strategy.   Topics Discussed In This Episode: Intro to chat marketing. Chat marketing as a new avenue of communication. Basics of chat marketing. Why Facebook messenger. Multi-channel marketing. Intro to Manychat. What is a chatbot? Integrating Manychat with Facebook Ads. weddingchatmarketing.com basics.   Links/Products In This Episode: Manychat     Where To Find Henry Chen: On The Web: Wedding Chat Marketing Facebook: Wedding Chat Marketing Henry's Wedding Photography Website: Aevitas Weddings     Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Heidi Thompson of Evolve Your Wedding Business about improving your leads by learning the process of cloning your best clients-- how to take the guesswork out of your marketing and attract more clients. Heidi Thompson is the best-selling author of Clone Your Best Clients and the founder of Evolve Your Wedding Business where she specializes in business and marketing strategy for wedding professionals. She helps wedding professionals grow their businesses and reach their goals without going crazy in the process. Her business & marketing expertise has been featured on several wedding and business outlets including The Huffington Post, Social Media Examiner, Wedding Business Magazine, Sprouting Photographer, Photo Biz Xposed, Honeybook, WeddingWire World & she’s an advisory board member for the UK Academy Of Wedding & Event Planning.   Topics Discussed In This Episode:   Creating your marketing blueprint. Creating a marketing plan centered around who you want to attract. An ideal client does not have to limit you. Start thinking of yourself as a specialist. How to really identify your ideal client. Cloning your ideal client. Reaching out to your past clients to gather information. Analyzing your customer data. The laddering technique. Developing your marketing plan from this data. Building a marketing relationship is like dating-- they want to get to know you. Marketing without a strategy is a recipe for disaster. Tracking your results-- and tweak.   Links/Products In This Episode: Evolve Your Wedding Business Webinar Clone Your Best Clients - Book   Where To Find Heidi Thompson: On The Web: Evolve Your Wedding Business Instagram: Evolve Your Wedding Business Facebook: Wedding Business Community   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Ariel Dilworth of Ariel Dilworth Co about how to keep your photography mini sessions booked-- every time. We also discussed some great smart marketing tips that every photography should be implementing.   Ariel Dilworth is a wife, mom, photographer and educator who is passionate about challenging others to live lives of purpose on purpose. She started out in 2013 as a ‘mom-with-a-camera’ and managed to turn her hobby into a six-figure business while moving to a different state and adding 3 kids to her family.   Ariel has worked with over 1,500+ clients and been featured in many publications. Through growing her own photography business, Ariel has found a passion for authentic marketing & communication. She has since created multiple online courses to help other photographers market their own businesses in a way that is effective but still true to them!   Topics Discussed In This Episode:   What are photographers doing wrong with mini sessions? Simple steps to keeping mini sessions profitable. Be intentional about scheduling mini sessions. Pricing your photography mini sessions. Don't give away "too much" in your minis. You should be segmenting your email list. Easy ways to schedule your mini sessions. Smart marketing for your photography mini sessions. After the session, what comes next.. Leveraging your email list. Think of yourself as a resource for your clients. Using social media the smart way Building your Facebook engagement. The smart way to use social media. Why you shouldn't copy your competitors. The truth about what is different about your business... What are people doing wrong with their advertising. Why you should be using video.   Links/Products In This Episode: Acuity Scheduling Honeybook RegFox   Ariel's Freebies For Photographers: Corona Virus Toolkit The Photographer's Guide To Overcoming Self-Doubt 30 Social Media & Live Video Posts For Photographers More Than Marketing Course   Where To Find Ariel Dilworth: On The Web: Ariel Dilworth Co. Instagram: Ariel Dilworth Co. On Facebook: Ariel Dilworth Co. On Pinterest: Ariel Dilworth Co. On Youtube: Ariel Dilworth Co.   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan

On this episode of The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast I have a conversation with Sarah Blodgett of Digital Grace Design about comprehensive SEO tactics for photographers. Sarah founded Digital Grace Design in 2017 to help creatives (like you!) design beautiful, refined, and strategic websites that attract the right people and allow them to better serve their clients. Sarah is Showit's 2019 Designer of the Year, honored to be StoryBrand Certified Guide, and is the creator of the Simple Showit SEO Course. Sarah is based out of New York City, and serves creatives worldwide. Wow. This episode has a lot of important information. It rates a "10" on the Knowledge-O-Meter. Sarah is really an ace at her craft and this episode covers topics and information that you just don't typically hear in a podcast. Prepare a pencil and paper, and get your finger ready on the back button... you're going to need to take notes here, but it's all for a good cause-- your business. Topics Discussed In This Episode: SEO doesn't need to be scary. Where does SEO rank in your business launch tasks? Photography SEO fundamentals. Photography SEO page names and structure details. SEO image strategies. Advanced photography SEO strategies. How to optimize Google Search Console for photographers. Why are keywords important for photographers. SEO is like going to the gym?? Is blogging old fashioned? Why Google doesn't care about "Ms. R's Session." How long should blog posts be? Steps to optimize photography blog posts for traffic. Common mistakes on photographer websites. Should you be using Linktree?   Links/Products In This Episode: Google Analytics - https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/ Google Search Console - https://search.google.com/search-console/about Showit Websites - https://showit.co/ Linktree - https://linktr.ee/ Sarah's Youtube Linktree video - https://youtu.be/451P2gtqQKc   Sarah's SEO Course: Simple Showit SEO Course   Where to Find Sarah Blodgett: Web: - Digital Grace Design Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/digitalgracedesign/   Subscribe / Donate / Follow The Show: Website: The Mike Cassidy Photography Podcast Instagram: @mikecassidypodcast Subscribe: Subscribe on Patreon Subscribe: Subscribe on Pod.Fan   Donate: Make A One-Time Donation via Pod.Fan