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In this episode, Scott speaks with wedding and portrait photographer, Nicole Ashley, about her photographic and photography business workflows.

Nicole Ashley is a Canon Canada Ambassador and is not only a passionate photographer who sees the world through her lens but is also an active educator in the photo community, leveraging her Bachelors of Education degree to mentor other photographers. Beyond the camera, Nicole's personal life is equally captivating. Married to her best friend, Jon, an incredible artist and father, and a mother to a beautiful daughter. Nicole has an infectious energy that many of her clients say makes them feel like they've known her forever.

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In this episode, Nicole shares her secrets to creating an unforgettable photography experience for clients, from sending sneak peek photos within 24 hours of a session to surprising them with tangible film prints at weddings. She also discusses her recent dream come true experience, working with a big brand and a diverse team of artists.

"Looking at photos should evoke a sense of happiness and nostalgia." - Nicole Ashley

Mentioned resources

• Canva: A helpful tool for creating digital mood boards.
• Pinterest: A valuable platform for inspiration and gathering ideas.
• Instagram and TikTok: Platforms used for inquiries about weddings.
• Focal: A fantastic AI-powered tool that has streamlined Nicole's editing process.
• Pic-Time: An excellent tool for creating polished photo galleries and delivering stunning client experiences.

Want to learn how to create a memorable photography experience for your clients? Tune into this episode of Workflows and gain invaluable insights from Nicole Ashley's expertise! Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your photography business and create a lasting impact.

Key lessons in this episode

1. The importance of creating a date-like atmosphere for clients during portrait sessions.
2. Using digital mood boards to showcase textures, color schemes, and shopping for items.
3. The value of utilizing AI and automation tools to streamline and enhance the photography process.
4. Leveraging client portals for organized communication and professional presentation.
5. The positive impact of technology on reducing burnout and making photography more feasible as a full-time career.

Discussed in this episode

- Sending sneak peek photos to clients within 24 hours of a session
- Carefully choosing and retouching the sneak peek photo
- Clients' appreciation for receiving the sneak peek and sharing it on social media
- Bringing a mini Canon printer and using the Canon Connect app for weddings
- Putting film prints in clients' seats as a surprise and tangible memento
- Being hired for one role but ending up doing multiple tasks on a large production
- Collaboration with different artists and learning opportunities
- Referring to sessions as "portrait sessions" instead of "headshot sessions"
- Mood boarding and discussing details with clients to reflect their identity
- Transition from physical mood boards to digital mood boards
- Emphasizing the importance of meaningful photos that can evoke emotions in the future
- Thoughts on AI-generated photos and the value of traditional photo shoots
- Mention of social media platforms for inquiries and directing clients to email
- Importance of creating a date-like atmosphere during photography sessions
- Capturing memorable photos that evoke emotions and happiness
- Valuing family and personal time alongside work
- Regret over not using a certain tool earlier to save time
- Enjoyment of photography and gratitude for efficient workflow
_ Use of AI and automation to streamline processes and improve quality
- Positive experiences with generative fill in different areas of photography
- Gratitude for support and helpful people in the industry
- Creating highlight slideshows for clients' cinematic experiences
- Client portal for communication, organization, and tracking information
- Importance of client reviews for generating more business