In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I chat with Megan Breukelman, a successful NYC wedding photographer and co-founder of a fashion magazine. Throughout the conversation, Megan shared valuable insights on turning passion projects into thriving businesses, the importance of seeking feedback, and the balancing act between technical skills and the creative aspects of photography. So, whether you're a budding photographer or looking to take your passion project to the next level, this episode is filled with practical advice and inspiration. Listen closely as Megan discusses building a community, marketing strategies, and embracing imperfection. Then, take action by implementing these lessons into your own photography journey. Remember, success comes with persistence, seeking feedback, and continuously improving your craft. 

The Big Takeaways with Timestamps
00:04:38 Started in photography, switched to fashion editing
00:09:37 Took big opportunity
00:11:36 Degree not necessary, but education beneficial
00:15:22 Photography tech not my main focus
00:22:00 Don't be scared, just start building 
00:26:19 Take chances, despite lack of recognition
00:28:08 Passion project turned business with personal benefits
00:32:15 Started a free digital magazine, expanded
00:37:09 Passion project: making do with limited resources
00:40:23 Building an audience is crucial for feedback
00:44:11 Failure is an opportunity for growth
00:48:35 Photographer's passion project becomes weddings magazine
00:52:17 Building audience and connections through marketing efforts

Megan Breukelman's Website Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/ Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! 

  Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group  Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa  Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/   
Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

403: Megan Breukelman - Passion Projects and Persistence: How to Showcase and Share Your Photography

The Beginner Photography Podcast is a free weekly podcast hosted by professional photographer Raymond Hatfield who interviews world class photographers of all genres who share what they wish they knew when they got started so you can grow your creative photography skills faster! The podcast is brought to you by CloudSpot.io, the client gallery system that is always #EmpoweringPhotographers

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In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I'll take you behind the scenes, sharing my personal pre-wedding rituals for energy and focus, overcoming equipment issues in challenging venues, and orchestrating the perfect shots despite unpredictable weather as we we dive into the dynamic and unpredictable nature of wedding photography. From capturing the dress and intimate moments during prep, to the emotional vows and lively group shots—I break down my strategies for creating those timeless wedding images. Embrace the tips, witness real-time problem-solving, and refine your skills to tell a wedding's story beautifully. 

The Big Ideas:Routine is Key: Your mental energy is precious - a consistent pre-wedding routine helps you focus and stay sharp for the big day.Tackling Emergencies: Be adaptable; you can overcome unexpected challenges, like equipment malfunctions or weather changes, with calm problem-solving.The Art of Detail: You'll learn the subtle art of photographing wedding details – rings, dresses, and flowers – that tell a richer story.Capturing the Moment: Find strategies for photographing genuine moments, ensuring every emotion is beautifully immortalized in your pictures.
Photography Action Plan:Prepare Your Gear: Check your camera, lenses, flashes, batteries, and memory cards the night before to ensure everything is in working order. Have backups ready. Pack your gear neatly, create a checklist, and mark items off as you pack to avoid forgetting essential equipment.Plan Your Shots: Study and understand the wedding day timeline to know when key moments will occur and where you need to be for the best shots. Create a shot list with the couple beforehand, including must-have photos and desired poses, to work efficiently and not miss critical moments.Master Lighting Techniques: Practice using your flash in different environments so you're prepared for varying lighting conditions on wedding days. Learn to bounce flash off ceilings or walls to create a more natural light look in your photos when direct flash is too harsh.Capture the Details: Don't overlook photographing the small details like rings, floral arrangements, and place settings as they contribute to the story of the day. Be meticulous in arranging these elements and use macro lenses if necessary to capture intricate details and textures.Direct with Confidence: Develop clear, concise directions to guide groups and individuals during posed shots – having a few go-to poses can help you start strong. Encourage natural interactions between subjects for more candid and relaxed photographs, such as asking them to talk about a memory or share a joke.
Resources:

 Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/ Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! 

  Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group  Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa  Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/   
Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

471: Wedding Day BTS - Shoot a Wedding With Me

In today's episode of the podcast, I chat with family photographer and host of the This Cant Be That Hard podcast, Annemie Tonken about developing essential systems in your photography business to ensure efficiency, client satisfaction, and growth. Learn how strategic planning can transform your operational approach for the better. The Big Ideas:Embrace Systemization: Treat your photography business like a well-oiled machine. You'll save time and avoid stress.Audit Your Processes: Regularly checking your current processes teaches you where improvements can be made for smoother operations.Focus on Fulfillment: Perfect your fulfillment system first; this ensures your client’s last interaction with you is memorable and professional.Use Tools Wisely: Leveraging tools like CRMs can drastically improve your workflow and client management.
Photography Action Plan:Audit Your Current Workflow: Review each step in your current process from handling initial client inquiries to final delivery of photos. Identify any bottlenecks or repetitive tasks that slow you down. Document your findings in a simple spreadsheet or flowchart. This will give you a clear visual representation of where you can begin implementing improvements.Set Up Basic Systems for Marketing, Sales, and Fulfillment: Implement a CRM tool to manage client communications and keep track of sales leads. This step is crucial for maintaining organized client interactions. Create a checklist for each project phase. This ensures that nothing is missed and each client receives consistent, high-quality service.Automate Repetitive Tasks: Identify tasks that are repetitive and time-consuming, such as appointment scheduling, email responses, or social media posts. Find tools that can help automate these processes. Start small, perhaps with automating appointment confirmations or thank-you emails, and gradually expand as you become comfortable with the technology.Focus on Client Experience: Map out your ideal client journey from first contact to post-delivery follow-up. Think about how you want your clients to feel at each stage. Solicit feedback from recent clients to understand what they loved about working with you and areas where you might improve the experience.Educate Yourself Continuously: Enroll in online courses or workshops that focus not only on photography techniques but also on business practices specific to photography. Seek out resources that offer practical advice on systematizing your business, such as free video lessons or worksheets that help you develop efficient workflows.
Resources:Annemie's systems audit resource - https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/bppLearn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/ Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! 

  Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group  Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa  Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/   
Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

470: Annemie Tonken: Avoid the Overwhelm in Photography by Creating Systems

In today's episode of the podcast, I chat with Dan Milnor, an acclaimed documentary photographer who shares transformative insights on creativity, industry challenges, and the true impact of social media on your work. The Big Ideas:Seek Inspiration, Not Imitation: Embrace the storytelling and influence behind another artist's work rather than copying style or gear.The Value of Authentic Engagement: Understand social media's shallow interactions and focus on building a genuine audience.Embracing a Multifaceted Identity: Delve into various creative outlets to enrich your photography and personal brand.Isolation for Innovation: Discover how stepping away from the crowd can enhance your unique voice and creativity.Photography Action Plan:Explore Outside Influences: Visit the websites of conceptual artists or photographers you admire at least a few times per year. Jot down what elements of their work inspire you the most. Incorporate what resonates with you into your photography, be it their storytelling approach or their thematic focus, to craft a richer narrative in your images.Prioritize Care with Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the functionalities of your current equipment, such as the exposure compensation dial, to enhance your shooting efficiency without the need to upgrade immediately. Engage in Long-Term Projects: Select a subject matter that sparks your curiosity and devote time to a long-term photographic project. This commitment often leads to deeper insights and more substantive work. Resist the industrial pressure to multitask on numerous short-term endeavors and instead focus on developing a solid body of work that reflects your dedication and skill. Rethink Social Media Engagement: Create a portfolio website showcasing your unique photographic work to establish a professional online presence that's independent of social media validation. Begin reducing your reliance on social media platforms by actively seeking genuine engagement with your audience through direct channels like newsletters or local exhibitions.Embrace a Multifaceted Approach to Photography: Invest time in developing additional skills that complement your photography, such as writing or video, which can enhance your storytelling capabilities and marketability. Explore your other interests and hobbies alongside photography. These pursuits can provide fresh perspectives and inspirations, enriching the creative content of your photographic work.
Resources:Visit Dan's Website Shifter Media: https://shifter.mediaDan Milnor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DANIELMILNOR505Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/ Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! 

  Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group  Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa  Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/   
Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

469: Dan Milnor - Breaking Free: Why Ditching Social Media Could Be The Best Creative Move For Your Photography

Download your Free Photography Business Plan Template - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bp

in todays episode of the podcast I'll walk you through how to write a photography business plan to help transform your hobby into profit by targeting the right market with effective strategies.

The Big Ideas:Embrace Business Identity Mastery: Recognize and refine your unique photography style to attract your ideal clients and build a brand that stands out.Analyze to Capitalize: Understand your market like the back of your hand; demographics and needs analysis can set you up for capturing the right audiences.Strategic Offer Structuring: Learn how to create tiered pricing and bundle packages to maximize value perception and revenue.Financial Planning Proficiency: Plan your photography business finances to manage irregular incomes and maximize profitability with a clear, structured approach.Photography Action Plan:Draft Your Photography Business Plan: Start by outlining your business goals, target market, and services you’ll offer. This roadmap will guide all your business decisions and strategies. Break your plan into manageable sections like market analysis, operational strategy, and financial goals. Tackle one section at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.Conduct Market Analysis: Research potential clients and understand their preferences and behaviors. This knowledge will help you tailor your marketing efforts and service offerings. Identify your competitors and analyze what they are doing well and where they lack. Use this information to differentiate yourself and fill gaps in the market.Develop Your Product and Service Offerings: Create packages that cater to different customer segments. Consider offering basic, premium, and deluxe packages that meet varied needs and budgets. Consider unique add-ons or bundled services that enhance value such as quick turnaround times or special editing services to make your offerings more attractive.Set Up Effective Client Management Processes: Invest in a reliable client relationship management system. This tool will help you keep track of inquiries, bookings, and follow-ups, ensuring you never miss a potential job. Establish a clear communication channel with clients. Regular updates and responsiveness will build trust and improve client satisfaction.Establish Financial Goals and Structures: Calculate your initial setup costs, ongoing expenses, and desired income. Use these figures to set pricing that covers your costs and meets your financial goals. Choose the right business structure to optimize tax benefits and limit liability. Consult a tax professional to decide whether a sole proprietorship, LLC, or another entity best suits your needs.Resources:
 Learn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/ Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! 

  Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group  Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa  Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/   
Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

468: How to Write a Photography Business Plan

In today's episode of the podcast, I chat with Family, Newborn, and Maternity photographer Sabrina Gebhardt, about the importance of personal growth in photography amidst the trials of starting and maintaining a business. The Big Ideas:Embrace Your Own Journey: Avoid comparing your progress with others; focus on your unique path and growth.Invest in Learning: Prioritize education to build a strong foundation and gradually enhance your skills.Balance is Key: Find harmony between your passion for photography and life commitments to prevent burnout.Practice with Purpose: Set attainable goals and projects that challenge your creativity and technique.Photography Action Plan:Set Achievable Photography Goals: Decide on a simple, attainable goal you can achieve this week, such as mastering one new camera setting or taking a photo that captures an emotion. Write down this goal and the steps you need to accomplish it; keep it visible for daily motivation.Engage in Daily Practice: Choose a subject or theme each day and capture it using different angles and perspectives. Remember, experience is your greatest teacher. The more you shoot, the faster you’ll bridge the creative gap. Limit Social Media Influence: Allocate specific times for viewing social media to avoid constant comparison that might hinder your creativity. Use this saved time to focus more on your personal development in photography.Invest in Your Education: Pick a tutorial or course on an aspect of photography you’re unfamiliar with, such as lighting or composition. Consistently applying new knowledge will not only build your skills but also boost your confidence behind the lens. Initiate a Personal Project: Start a 365-day photo project, giving yourself permission to bend the rules, such as taking multiple photos in one day or not adhering to consecutive daily posts. This project is meant to fuel your growth and enjoyment in photography, not add pressure, so keep it fun and flexible.Resources:Visit Sabrinas Website - https://sabrinagebhardt.com/Follow Sabrina on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotographyLearn What Camera Settings to Use in our free guide!
https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Build Your Dream Photography Business and Keep More of the Money You Earn with CloudSpot Studio.
And get my Wedding and Portrait Contract and Questionnaires, at no cost!
Sign up now at http://deliverphotos.com/ Connect with the Beginner Photography Podcast! 

  Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group  Send in your Photo Questions to get answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa  Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/   
Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

403: Megan Breukelman - Passion Projects and Persistence: How to Showcase and Share Your Photography

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