Life and Lens - Focusing on Success and Balance

In this inspiring episode I spoke with photographer, educators Jai Long and Cara Mia about creativity, burnout and their new course for creatives, Metamorphosis.

Join the live launch here: https://jointhemetamorphosis.com/event
Sign up to the waitlist here: https://jointhemetamorphosis.com/
Listen to the Metamorphosis Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metamorphosis/id1738791949

Further Show Notes Visit: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/podcast

Lei Lei Clavey Education Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclaveyeducation/

Lei Lei Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclavey/

Lei Lei Photography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leileiclaveyphotography

Lei Lei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lei-lei-clavey/

Wedding Photography website: https://www.leileiclavey.com/

Subscribe to my education newsletter here: https://shorturl.at/lxzR8

Shop Wedding Price Guide Template and Wedding Client Guide Template: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/guidesandtemplates

Shop Album Cover Templates: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/album-templates

Shop My Favourite Business & Mindset Books: https://shorturl.at/egGKM

Shop My Gear: https://shorturl.at/jlyOZ

...

I’m back talking about my favourite upsells; Albums! 

This is Episode 3 of my Album Series on the Life & Lens Podcast and I’m going to share my album design process from beginning to end.

When I first started selling albums, I had no idea how to design albums. I thought to myself, ‘hoowww do I do this??’ and I’m guessing many of you might have had the same thoughts if you are new to selling albums. 

The Art of Selling Albums is launching 30th April. The online course covers how to sell and design albums in a step-by-step format so you can level up your client experience, make more profit and have more freedom in your business. 

Key Takeaways

·      Design Your Couples Album: I use Smart Albums and I don’t wait until my client has selected their favourite images to start their album design. 

·      One Design Revision: I allow one design revision only as part of my album workflow to keep the timeline moving

·      Curate Your Images & Layout: When designing your album use 100-120 images from your highlights and maintain white space to allow the images to breath. 

·      You Are The Story-Teller: Break your album design the wedding into chapters including getting ready, first look, ceremony, reception, dancefloor, exit.

·      Communication is Key: be clear with your client about timelines.

·      Don’t Skip Quality Checks; Always check over the album before sending it to the couple. Look for marks, printing flaws or damage to album corners.

·      Testimonials are Golden: Always ask for feedback

Tools & Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Lei Lei Clavey Education Resources Page 
• DYMO Printers
• Pixellu Smart Albums – Receive 15% off your first 12 months,  use my code ‘leileiclavey’. 
• Vision Art – Receive 15% discount on your first album order, use my code ‘leilei15’ 

Further Show Notes Visit: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/podcast

Lei Lei Clavey Education Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclaveyeducation/

Lei Lei Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclavey/

Lei Lei Photography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leileiclaveyphotography

Lei Lei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lei-lei-clavey/

Wedding Photography website: https://www.leileiclavey.com/

Subscribe to my education newsletter here: https://shorturl.at/lxzR8

Shop Wedding Price Guide Template and Wedding Client Guide Template: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/guidesandtemplates

Shop Album Cover Templates: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/album-templates

Shop My Favourite Business & Mindset Books: https://shorturl.at/egGKM

Shop My Gear: https://shorturl.at/jlyOZ

...

Over the last 4 years I have tried and tested so many things when it comes to my wedding albums. I’ve taken all the learnings from my experiences with my clients and refined my process. 

The past few months, I’ve been in the full swing of wedding season and have been working on my first ever online course The Art of Album Sales: Selling Albums Confidently for Profit which is due to launch in April. 

It is exciting (and scary) to work on a course. I’m so invested in albums in my photography business, and I get asked about albums ALLLLL the time during mentor sessions. It made sense to me to share my process with more of you. 

In this podcast episode, I chat about 11 things to consider when it comes to selling and designing albums. Whether your new to the album game or looking to shake things up a bit, this episode includes tips learnt on my journey offering albums.

Lei x

Key Take-Aways

1.    Design your albums for your couples and only allow a single design revision

2.    Curate your cover choices to ensure your client doesn’t experience overwhelm

3.    Curate your Album Offer and Pricing Model based on your ideal client

4.    To sell albums; show up on social media and take your albums to every client meeting/including online meetings

5.    Tips on packaging and how to create a sample album with the right supplier for you

Tools & Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Pixellu Smart Albums – Receive 15% off your first 12 months,  use my code ‘leileiclavey’. 
• Album Cover Templates – Lei Lei Clavey x Hello Hello Editorial Album Cover Templates are available to purchase here. 
• Vision Art – Receive 15% discount on your first album order, use my code ‘leilei15’ 
• Noissue for tissue paper and branded water activated tape + dispenser for parcels
• Stitch Press is where I have my custom stationery printed. Based in Melbourne, Australia. Incredible quality so costs are $$$ but worth it for a luxury experience for our clients. For stationery I have thank you

Further Show Notes Visit: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/podcast

Lei Lei Clavey Education Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclaveyeducation/

Lei Lei Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclavey/

Lei Lei Photography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leileiclaveyphotography

Lei Lei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lei-lei-clavey/

Wedding Photography website: https://www.leileiclavey.com/

Subscribe to my education newsletter here: https://shorturl.at/lxzR8

Shop Wedding Price Guide Template and Wedding Client Guide Template: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/guidesandtemplates

Shop Album Cover Templates: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/album-templates

Shop My Favourite Business & Mindset Books: https://shorturl.at/egGKM

Shop My Gear: https://shorturl.at/jlyOZ

...

It’s been a motivating start to 2024 and I feel like I’ve been very considered with my energy. The past few months, I’ve been in the full swing of wedding season and have been working on my first online course The Art of Album Sales: Selling Albums Confidently for Profit which is due to launch in April. 

It is exciting (and scary) to work on a course. I’m so invested in albums in my photography business, and I get asked about albums ALLLLL the time during mentor sessions. It made sense to me to share my process with more of you. Clearly, I’m obsessed and I hope it inspires you too!

In this podcast episode, I talk all about adding albums to your photography business. Whether you're new to the album game or looking to shake things up a bit, this episode covers 4 things to get you started. 

Lei x

Key Take-Aways

1.        Decide who you are selling to and craft your offer - Let me walk you through market research, building an inspiration board and refining your album offer

2.        Set up tools and systems that will make designing and printing your albums easy - This was a total game changer for me. Feeling overwhelmed? I have some recommendations for you. 

3.        Print a Sample Album - Couples will fall in love with your albums once they see them in real life. Don't have a full wedding to feature? Don't despair. I have a tip for you.

4.        Market Your Albums - Be obsessed and hype your albums to your audience.

Tools & Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Pixellu Smart Albums – Receive 15% off your first 12 months,  use my code ‘leileiclavey’. 
• Album Cover Templates – Lei Lei Clavey x Hello Hello Editorial Album Cover Templates are available to purchase here. 
• Vision Art – Receive 15% discount on your first album order, use my code ‘leilei15’ 

Further Show Notes Visit: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/podcast

Lei Lei Clavey Education Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclaveyeducation/

Lei Lei Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclavey/

Lei Lei Photography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leileiclaveyphotography

Lei Lei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lei-lei-clavey/

Wedding Photography website: https://www.leileiclavey.com/

Subscribe to my education newsletter here: https://shorturl.at/lxzR8

Shop Wedding Price Guide Template and Wedding Client Guide Template: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/guidesandtemplates

Shop Album Cover Templates: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/album-templates

Shop My Favourite Business & Mindset Books: https://shorturl.at/egGKM

Shop My Gear: https://shorturl.at/jlyOZ

...

Episode Overview:
In this episode, I delve into the remarkable journey of Taylor Swift's brand and uncover invaluable lessons applicable to our own businesses. From authenticity and transparency to leveraging exclusivity and the power of storytelling, Taylor Swift offers a blueprint for building an enduring brand. Join me as I explore how to infuse your brand with authenticity, create exclusive experiences, master the art of storytelling, and adapt and evolve in an ever-changing landscape.

Key Takeaways:

1. Authenticity and Consistency:
   • Lesson Learned: Taylor Swift's genuine persona fosters a connection with her audience, emphasising authenticity and consistency in brand messaging.
   • Application for Your Business: Establish trust by being transparent and open, engaging authentically and sharing real stories that resonate with your audience.
2. Leveraging Exclusivity:
   • Lesson Learned: Taylor's use of limited releases and exclusive content creates anticipation and excitement among her fan base.
   • Application for Your Business: Embrace limited availability and offer exclusive access to reward loyalty and drive demand, while still providing opportunities for engagement for all.
3. Power of Storytelling:
   • Lesson Learned: Taylor Swift's storytelling prowess, evident in her music, resonates deeply with her audience, fostering emotional connections.
   • Application for Your Business: Incorporate storytelling into your brand narrative by sharing personal experiences, product journeys, or customer testimonials to make your brand more relatable and memorable.
4. Adaptation and Evolution:
   • Lesson Learned: Swift's ability to adapt and evolve with changing trends and demographics ensures her relevance across generations.
   • Application for Your Business: Stay agile by continuously gathering feedback, monitoring industry trends, and analysing competitors to pivot strategies and stay ahead of the curve.

Recommended Resources:

• Donald Miller's "Building a Story Brand": A  guide to crafting compelling brand narratives that resonate with audiences and drive business success.

Join me as I uncover the secrets behind Taylor Swift's brand and discover how to apply these strategies to elevate your own brand to new heights of success.

Further Show Notes Visit: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/podcast

Lei Lei Clavey Education Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclaveyeducation/

Lei Lei Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclavey/

Lei Lei Photography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leileiclaveyphotography

Lei Lei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lei-lei-clavey/

Wedding Photography website: https://www.leileiclavey.com/

Subscribe to my education newsletter here: https://shorturl.at/lxzR8

Shop Wedding Price Guide Template and Wedding Client Guide Template: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/guidesandtemplates

Shop Album Cover Templates: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/album-templates

Shop My Favourite Business & Mindset Books: https://shorturl.at/egGKM

Shop My Gear: https://shorturl.at/jlyOZ

...

Launching or relaunching your business is exciting but also daunting. It takes grit, courage, and a whole lot of work behind the scenes to launch your brand and put yourself ‘out there’. In this episode I share actionable steps to launch or relaunch your brand to hopefully make it easier for you and more successful!

My top takeaways:

1. Preparation Phase: Invest in Branding, Copywriting and Education
2. Map out a launch content calendar 
3. Pre-plan promotional content for social media, including introducing yourself and sharing elements of your new brand such as your services & testimonials
4. Send weekly newsletters leading up to the launch
5. Write blog posts explaining why you're rebranding including BTS
6. Post teasers and coming soon messages across social media
7. Create a countdown landing page on your website to build anticipation among visitors.
8. Engage Current Followers: Share BTS glimpses of your rebranding process, including design sketches & website previews.
9. Organise a giveaway during launch week to reward and engage your current followers.
10. Collaborations and Guest Posts: Collaborate with friends and like-minded businesses by sending them gift packs and asking for their support in sharing your launch on social media. Reach out to blogs and businesses to offer guest posts or share your expertise leading up to the launch.

Launch Week:

1. Create Hype:
   • Share photos and videos of yourself in action and BTS of your launch
2. Deliver Value:
   • Provide value to your audience during launch week by offering giveaways and creating new downloadable resources
3. Post-Launch Actions:
   • Continue to post about the launch 2-3 days after the official launch date to ensure maximum visibility
   • Use Video

By following these actionable points, I hope these help you to effectively plan and execute a successful brand launch or re-launch.

Good luck!


RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:


Hello Hello Studio - the designers who helped with my branding. Mention my name when you reach out to them!

Further Show Notes Visit: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/podcast

Lei Lei Clavey Education Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclaveyeducation/

Lei Lei Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclavey/

Lei Lei Photography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leileiclaveyphotography

Lei Lei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lei-lei-clavey/

Wedding Photography website: https://www.leileiclavey.com/

Subscribe to my education newsletter here: https://shorturl.at/lxzR8

Shop Wedding Price Guide Template and Wedding Client Guide Template: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/guidesandtemplates

Shop Album Cover Templates: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/album-templates

Shop My Favourite Business & Mindset Books: https://shorturl.at/egGKM

Shop My Gear: https://shorturl.at/jlyOZ

...

In this episode of the Life & Lens Podcast, I talk about living in discomfort with your business because when we’re out of our comfort zone that is where the growth happens. 

Everyone loves comfort but feeling comfortable can quickly turn into feeling stuck. 

If you have ever felt like you are languishing, you will know that if we do not push our boundaries that we cannot grow. Feeling discomfort means you and your business are growing. 

This podcast episode is your reminder to get out there and push your boundaries; 

second shoot even though you are established, invest in a styled shoot even if planning the details feels overwhelming and read about an area of your business that is lacking until you are an expert.  

I talk a bit about my journey and also what business, mindset and self-development books I’ve read to overcome my fears and move me forward.

Here are a few of my favourite books that I recommend…

• YOU ARE A BADASS AT MAKING MONEY, JEN SINCERO
• THE MOUNTAIN IS YOU, BRIANNA WIEST
• PUMPKIN PLAN, MIKE MICHALOWICZ
• 12 MONTHS TO 1 MILLION, RUSSELL BRUNSON & RYAN MORAN
• PASSION, PURPOSE, PROFIT, FIONA KILLACKEY
• ATOMIC HABITS, JAMES CLEAR
• GET RICH LUCKY BITCH, DENISE DUFFIELD-THOMAS
• IF IN DOUBT WASH YOUR HAIR, ANYA HINDMARCH

Discover my extensive list of books here: https://shorturl.at/ciqtX

Questions to ask yourself:

• Are you uncomfortable right now in your business? 
• If you are feeling comfortable, what can you do to push yourself? Remember, where there’s no risk, there’s no growth.
• Do you like where you are heading? Do you have goals of where you’re heading or do you need to write these out? 

Further Show Notes Visit: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/podcast

Lei Lei Clavey Education Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclaveyeducation/

Lei Lei Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclavey/

Lei Lei Photography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leileiclaveyphotography

Lei Lei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lei-lei-clavey/

Wedding Photography website: https://www.leileiclavey.com/

Subscribe to my education newsletter here: https://shorturl.at/lxzR8

Shop Wedding Price Guide Template and Wedding Client Guide Template: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/guidesandtemplates

Shop Album Cover Templates: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/album-templates

Shop My Favourite Business & Mindset Books: https://shorturl.at/egGKM

Shop My Gear: https://shorturl.at/jlyOZ

...

In this episode of the Life & Lens Podcast, join me for my podcast interview on Andrew Hellmich’s PhotobizX podcast about navigating moving from the high-end client to the luxury market and how I create styled shoots that are campaigns for my brand. 

PhotobizX is a go-to podcast with Andrew Hellmich for aspiring and established photographers. On his weekly podcast he interviews successful photographers from around the world to uncover how they run their photography businesses, whether wedding, portrait or headshot photography and turn a profit. He’s interested in what photographers really do in their business, exposing ‘how’ they run their business so that we can shortcut the road to success. 

In our interview, we talk about how launching my business with the specific goal to the world’s best wedding photographer, changed the trajectory of my success. Rather than entering as an entry-level wedding photographer, I crafted a brand and marketed myself to the high-end niche. From the outset, I wanted to attract high-end clients, planning luxury weddings with an editorial aesthetic. Was I open about my experience? Absolutely, I was and always am transparent about my experience as a fashion photographer who pivoted to shooting weddings. What attracted my ideal clients to me was my luxury branding, personal brand and strategic content from fashion backstage and styled shoots. I also think that putting your big goals and dreams out into the universecreates a magnetic force where people want to support you; so why not put it out there? 

As I transition from the high-end to luxury client, listening back to this podcast has been a chance to reflect on how my business is evolving.  I hope you enjoy the PhotobizX interview and that you can take from it some gems of advice that you can implement in your own business today. 

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 

Photobizx Website - https://photobizx.com

Photobizx Podcast - https://photobizx.com/interviews/

Photobizx Podcast Episode with Lei Lei Clavey - https://photobizx.com/lei-lei-clavey-how-to-go-from-zero-to-hero-in-the-world-of-high-end-luxury-weddings

Further Show Notes Visit: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/podcast

Lei Lei Clavey Education Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclaveyeducation/

Lei Lei Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclavey/

Lei Lei Photography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leileiclaveyphotography

Lei Lei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lei-lei-clavey/

Wedding Photography website: https://www.leileiclavey.com/

Subscribe to my education newsletter here: https://shorturl.at/lxzR8

Shop Wedding Price Guide Template and Wedding Client Guide Template: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/guidesandtemplates

Shop Album Cover Templates: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/album-templates

Shop My Favourite Business & Mindset Books: https://shorturl.at/egGKM

Shop My Gear: https://shorturl.at/jlyOZ

...

Building trust with your ideal client and booking out a full wedding season, is something I get asked about a lot. We see other photographers (very successful photographers!) who have been running their businesses for 10-, 20-, 30 years and we inevitably compare ourselves to them: How can we build that kind of trust with our ideal clients if we haven’t been in the industry for long? 

In this episode of the Life & Lens Podcast, I share 10 Ways to Build Trust with your ideal client even if you don’t have years of experience running a successful wedding photography business. I unpack my experience over the last 3 years and the 10 ways I built trust with my audience to book out season on season. I cover activities such as mindset, self-believe, Ideal Client Discovery, branding, launch strategy and building social proof (one of my favourite topics!).

Whether you’re about to launch your own brand or relaunch your existing business for a new ideal client, stacking all these trust-building activities on top of each other is when the magic will start to happen.

Your potential is limitless. 

Lei x

Further Show Notes Visit: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/podcast

Lei Lei Clavey Education Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclaveyeducation/

Lei Lei Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclavey/

Lei Lei Photography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leileiclaveyphotography

Lei Lei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lei-lei-clavey/

Wedding Photography website: https://www.leileiclavey.com/

Subscribe to my education newsletter here: https://shorturl.at/lxzR8

Shop Wedding Price Guide Template and Wedding Client Guide Template: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/guidesandtemplates

Shop Album Cover Templates: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/album-templates

Shop My Favourite Business & Mindset Books: https://shorturl.at/egGKM

Shop My Gear: https://shorturl.at/jlyOZ

...

As engagement season approaches, I had a chat with a wedding vendor friend who, after tuning into my Boundaries episode (episode 7), is re-evaluating her approach to ideal clients and wedding bookings. It got me thinking—this season, when everyone is getting engaged around Christmas and New Year's, is the perfect time to reassess our boundaries and set goals for the upcoming year. In this episode, I share insights on what weddings I want to shoot, pricing considerations, and the importance of self-care and reflection.

As photographers and wedding creatives, we need to be ready for enquiries during engagement season. I've already gone through my calendar for the 2024/2025 season, marking weekends with my family, acknowledging public holidays, and leaving space for last-minute opportunities. I delve into the significance of self-care, recounting my better season with more time for family and personal well-being. It's about being proactive, setting clear boundaries, and saying 'no' when necessary. 

I wrap up with a challenge to fellow photographers: set outrageously big goals—those that make you a bit squeamish yet giddy with excitement. Join me on this journey of preparation, self-discovery, and reaching for the stars as we gear up for engagement season.

Further Show Notes Visit: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/podcast

Lei Lei Clavey Education Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclaveyeducation/

Lei Lei Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leileiclavey/

Lei Lei Photography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leileiclaveyphotography

Lei Lei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lei-lei-clavey/

Wedding Photography website: https://www.leileiclavey.com/

Subscribe to my education newsletter here: https://shorturl.at/lxzR8

Shop Wedding Price Guide Template and Wedding Client Guide Template: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/guidesandtemplates

Shop Album Cover Templates: https://leileiclaveyeducation.com/album-templates

Shop My Favourite Business & Mindset Books: https://shorturl.at/egGKM

Shop My Gear: https://shorturl.at/jlyOZ

...