Mini Sessions Made Easy

Last week we talked about prepping your business, but today we're going after how to prep your family for a busy season! I also have a Free Minis Class and will help you so much before diving head first into busy season. You should be booking minis right now so if you're not you need this class! Now, let's talk about prepping our families. For me family is one of the most important aspects of my life. When I look back I did my family a disservice when it came to busy season. Let's learn how to succeed in business while protecting our families!

Start having conversations now about the upcoming season. Understanding the world doesn't revolve around your sessions and your spouse or kids also have agendas they want to accomplish is vital. I like to talk about it like a rhythm rather than a routine. Routines are usually concrete, but a rhythm (much like music) gives you space to speed up and slow down. In busy season I typically shoot on weekends, but summer I am able to be home with kids, etc. Talking about what's coming now helps give my spouse understanding. Remember he is not a photographer and doesn't know the schedule! In these convos we can talk through daily schedules and what boundaries will look like. Find what works for your family and prepare your family for a busy season! It won't last forever.

I open up my photography schedule to my spouse and show him what I want to do. Then he has space to veto something and have a say. We want to plan around birthdays and other events. This way I'm not going into the next month with a plan to shoot every weekend when we have a family birthday or something else going on. 

I know hiring childcare may not be feasible for your family. But if it is, I highly suggest doing it! Even if it's just 1-2 days a week. You could even price it out and add it into the overall cost of your sessions. Knowing your kids are being taken care of will give you peace of mind. You will be able to give yourself 100% to the hustle without feeling torn. Obviously you need to do what works, but trust me, it's worth it if you can!

What is this going to look like and when is it going to end? This is what needs to be communicated to your family. When you set the expectation there aren't surprises! Literally pull out a calendar and circle a date that determines the END of your hustle season. We have a rule in our business that there are NO sessions after the first week of December. When you have an end in sight you can endure the craziness! In my business, we take the entire month of December is off. My husband knows after that first week, life is "back to normal". Having an end date gives you a goal to push through. And hold the line! Do not let yourself go beyond that point. Living in a never ending hustle is not healthy and your family deserves your time/energy. 

Preparing your business is important, but I would say knowing how to prep your family for busy season takes priority! Don't forget to sign up for the Free Class and get yourself ready for what's ahead!

Talk About Family Rhythms (3:31)

Plan Out Dates (7:51)

Hire Childcare if Possible (9:09)

Understanding Hustle Season (10:09)

How many of you are ready for Fall?! I have a Free Minis Class on mini sessions and right now is the best time to do it! Especially if you're wanting to have a successful mini season. There are no catches or gimmicks, just a great class filled with tons of info! Today I'm talking all about how to prep your business for a busy fall season. I've done this well and not so well! Here are some practical things that will make a huge difference. Instead of being burnt out and exhausted you can look back and be proud of what all took place. So here are your practical applications on how to prep your business for a busy fall season...

This is STEP 1! Now, regardless of what you're using it should do the work for you. I love Dubsado, but maybe you use Honeybook, etc. Rather than having to remember to send contracts, invoices and forms you can have them automated! So all the emails that go out, the client experience guide, the whole sequence can be triggered and serve our clients without me having to think about it!

Write down all the steps you have in place to serve your clients. What emails are you sending them, do you have style guides, are you answering last minute questions. Maybe you've been wanting to give a Client Experience Guide, which is like my version of a style guide, now is the time to do it! Don't wait for the busy season to fix or add what you're doing. And if you want to start sending one, but you're not sure where to start you can grab mine in my shop. It's a Canva template that's pre-written so you can add photos and it's done! Maybe you need to add a Final Info Email to answer those questions. I've got Email Templates as well to make things easy for you!

Blank space is not bad space! It's needed. I remember being just miserable early on, especially when I had little babies! I became intentional about when I would shoot. So, I chose either Saturday or Sunday but not both. It's important to give time to rest, protect your mental health and honor your family. When I finished that season I can remember feeling so giddy and excited that I did it and did it well! So, mark out some boundaries and remember your time matters - protect it!

If you're new to outsourcing I suggest starting with an editor. Don't wait for busy season to find them. Get to know an editor now to make sure your style is honed in on. When you try to book an editor in the midst of busy season they most likely will be busy themselves! And if you have an editor and are trying to add an online assistant trust me, that takes time. Training is not just an overnight process and you'll need to share your brain to communicate what's expected or needed.

I've got more in store for you next week on how to prep your business for busy fall season, but for now you can check out some other blogs to help you along the way!

Set up Your CRM Workflows and Automations (3:55)

Refresh Your Client Experience (6:23)

Schedule Rest (8:10)

Outsource and Train (11:17)

I'm pleased to have Ashley Spriggs on with me today! She is a wife, mom to 3 little ones and owner of Pivot Media! We're excited to talk about finding rhythms that serve your family best. This is crucial especially when it comes to thriving in both "worlds" so to speak. Today is all about the rhythm not the routine! Rhythm gives you movement and allow flexibility vs. being boxed into a routine. Let's dive into finding rhythms that serve your family best!

Sitting down with your spouse and actually talking through what is valued most is a must. You can't come with your own expectations and force them on everyone else. Talk through what you value! Afterward prioritize from greatest to least. It's interesting because within our values we all have unique rhythms that allow us to accomplish them. And learning how your family functions - whether they are morning people, work around naps or like to have a quiet space all plays into your family rhythm.

Looking at actual seasons of life and asking questions: what worked in the last season? What didn't work? What do we value moving forward? Then the implementation needs to be practiced for a few weeks. Find what works! Another thing is don't be afraid to ask questions that challenge where you are and stay flexible! Being aware of what is needed in today will help give your longevity to endure tough seasons. Seasons of transition are inevitable and often the hardest. You almost have to mesh an old rhythm with a new one which is why flexibility will save you. Rhythm without flexibility is actually routine!

Sit down and put together 5 potential rhythms that work for the week. And don't do Monday through Sunday, utilize Monday through Friday and allow the weekends to fuel your family. If Monday's rhythm works then build on it Tuesday. If Monday's rhythm caused stress and anxiety, it's ok! Tomorrow is a new day. Sometimes it's trial and error until you see what fits. And don't forget finding rhythms that serve your family best takes time. It requires flexibility and practice. Learning to ebb and flow with the season your kids are in, the new natural seasons like school starting and knowing people's preferences will help tremendously!

Tune in to hear more from this conversation. It's jam packed with relatable content and will help you wherever you are in this season!

Priorities & Values (8:28)

Finding a New Rhythm in New Seasons (16:53)

Write Out a Flow (35:40)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

I'm thrilled to have special guest Annemei Tonkin from the "This Can't Be That Hard" podcast! We're having a conversation around the response you may have gotten from clients "We can't afford you"! No one likes hearing that and it's a very hard response. Rejection in general is challenging, but let's dive into the reality behind "we can't afford you"...

Sometimes giving our clients too many choices overcomplicates the "deal". Options aren't wrong, but they can be overwhelming! If you offer different types of sessions, have add on packages and give them too much to choose from they may back out because they don't know what to do. Less is more, right? You can give them more customization later rather than "brain dumping" on them at the beginning! On the other hand, you do need to give them something to work with. One size doesn't fit all. If you're struggling to book you may want to examine if you are building flexibility in what you offer.

The reality is "we can't afford you" isn't always true. If clients don't see the value you have then they aren't willing to move forward because it's not worth it to them. It's important to look at your forward facing material like website, socials and branding. Maybe your messaging or how professional you come across. Does it line up with your pricing? If you don't value yourself others won't either. Just be aware of your presentation across the board and believe that what they purchase is worth it!

The number one way someone will hire you is to make clients feel loyal to you. How do you do that? Have a real conversation. Respond to their questions or concerns and be relational! I know not everyone wants to get on the phone, but maybe you could send a short video. Rather than just sending an email a great idea is to put a personal touch on it. Marco polo, vox or voice memo are some options. It can be as simple as sending a DM because it's a place they are already comfortable and it's not a flat email template!

At some point in the process of booking and someone "backs out" it's possible it's because you haven't delivered somewhere. Maybe they just needed more "proof". This is where testimonials, social proof or videos where they see an answer to what they're nervous about! If you're new and don't have that you can at least give them a plan of action. Let them know after they've inquired what's coming next. This creates a safety and stability for clients in the process!

The truth of the matter is photography is not a necessity. It's a luxury. If people can't afford you it's not your fault. You need to have a plan in place for when this response is factual. I've seen too many people crumble and give away sessions when they should be charging. You can give them some names of other photographers or depending on the season of life they are in they may just be in a financial bind now. But in the future they would be an ideal client... That's when you make the choice to draw them in and maybe offer a payment plan. Another option is like a back pocket offer. maybe schedule a mini later on and book a spot early!

There's so much more in the podcast, be sure to give it a listen and check out Annemei Tonkin! If you hear "we can't afford you" it's not the end of the world, it's an opportunity to troubleshoot and pivot.

The Offer is too Complicated or too Simple (5:43)

They Don't See the Value (12:23)

Connection (17:05)

You Can Deliver (23:12)

They Actually Can't Afford You (28:01)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

Today's topic is an interesting one! I'm talking about what I would do if I was starting my business in 2022! It's going to be a good one, but I do have this free class to help you get started to have a complete marketing strategy! It's called the "6 Steps to Double your Revenue". It helps you build your photography business so you can be on your way to doubling your revenue this year. So, here's what I would do first if I was starting my business in 2022...

Email marketing is the easiest way to book photo sessions from your warmest clients. They know you, trust you and want more of what you have! You want to start an email list of these clients. I call them the VIP clients. This way you market to them first without having to go to the public. That definitely takes time, but that's why you need to start NOW! An email list is something you own so you have control unlike social media platforms where things are constantly changing. I use Flodesk as a platform and have loved it. Flodesk is easy to use, it's beautiful and I've got a FREE guide to grow your email list from 0 to 100! You can use my code HERE to get 50% off for life and get that list going!

Before you start take paying clients you need to register your business as either an LLC or Sole Proprietor. This sets you up to be legit moving forward. Even if you're not making much, this is important! The next thing to get legit is by getting a contract in place. And not just any contract, but one a lawyer has looked at or approved. Regardless of the type of session, you need one in place to protect both you and your clients. I have a contract that's been lawyer approved, it's customizable and it's the same one I use for all my sessions! You can grab that HERE. Lastly, you want to get a good CRM in place. It allows you to automate contracts and invoices. Everything is done online and my fave is Dubsado. More info in the podcast, so give it a listen!

There's a myth out there that says if you are newer you have to charge a lot less than established photographers. Now obviously if your skill is not up to par you shouldn't be charging $1000 per session. But you still need to make a profit by charging enough to keep the doors open for your business. You can find out what that price needs to be by doing a Cost of Doing Business or CODB. Check out THIS tutorial to find out yours!

I did this backward when I first started. It set me back at least a year. I could have launched faster and gone farther in my business early on had I invested in education first! As far as gear goes, get together a full frame body, one solid lens and a cheap flash and you're good to go.

Especially in the photography industry you should find yourself to find a good community. I know it seems like there are only pockets of people in photography that are helpful, encouraging and willing to share. But we were not created to do this alone. I have a Facebook community called "Mom-Photography 101" and they are incredible! We strongly believe in community over competition so check that out and join us! This is what I'd do if I was starting my business in 2022 and hopefully it helps you!

Start Email Marketing Early (2:05)

Get Legit (4:42)

Start Charging Profitably (7:43)

Invest in Education before Gear (9:44)

Find Community (11:30)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

Blogging is honestly one of my FAVORITE things, specifically for long-term marketing. Now I will say I didn't enjoy this in the beginning because it's for the long term play. I'll be sharing why I still blog every week in this episode. But, before I do, I wanted to give you this new, completely free, Email Marketing Guide. If you want to see your subscriber list go from 0 to 100 then be sure to grab it. This step by step guide will walk through exactly what to do to see growth in your subscriber list! So, when it comes to blogging let me say: blogging is not dead!

Blogging is HUGE when it comes to SEO (search engine optimization). This is important because although social media is grabbing attention it's also based off of algorithms. That means you may or may not get found. But, I use a platform called Wordpress that has a free plugin called Yoast SEO. So, it gives me a checklist of things to do in order to optimize my blog! This is why I still blog every week. I am increasing my SEO which gives me the ability to be found on google.

A blog's "shelf life" is YEARS. I still get hits on blogs I wrote years ago which connects them to my site, etc. You can't really say the same for social media. People are not seeing posts you made 1, 2 or 3 years ago. The beauty of google is they don't just store blogs in the posts section, but also images. I've had people reach out to me because they found an image of a session I blogged about and now they are a new client!

Blog content is so easy to repurpose. For instance, if I write a blog on a family session I did I can reuse the content for social media posts or, one of my favorites, Pinterest! Pinterest is great for visuals like photography. I use tailwind and to automate my Pinterest and I do it once a month. We load up the queue which does take a few hours, but then Pinterest is sending out pins automatically for me for the next month! That is my #2 resource for driving people to my website. My #1 resource is definitely YouTube.

Another reason why I still blog every week is because it acts as a portfolio. This is super helpful when you have someone asking to see examples of specific sessions. Sure your Facebook and Instagram might seem like they cover that in marketing, but when you have blogs you can easily search and send them a link! Maybe they're wanting to see images from a specific location. You can have blog posts that act as location spotlights. Blogging really is such a resource for your future clients.

Pay attention to questions that people ask leading up to their sessions. For example, "Can I bring my dog to my session?" You can literally have an entire blog post about pets and policies. By creating blog content that answers common questions or gives tips you can send these to clients! I can't tell you how much I recommend blogging. These were just a few reasons why I still blog every week. And maybe the thought of every week is overwhelming to you, then start with once a month.

Blogging is such a powerful way to get found on Google, to be able to create content to share on your social media, to share with your email list and serve your clients well. Have you been wondering what to write? How to create a blog? How to optimize for SEO? I created a course called Blogging and SEO Mini Course that answers ALL the questions! It gives you 52 blog ideas, specific FAQs you could start with, blogging templates and an SEO checklist. So it walks you through all the pieces to put together a blog optimized so you get found on Google easier. There are screenshares inside so you can see how to tackle it all. If I can fall in love with blogging anyone can, trust me!

Getting Found on Google (2:30)

The Shelf Life (3:47)

Easy to Repurpose (5:26)

An Extended Portfolio (7:03)

Answer FAQs (8:52)

Blogging and SEO Mini Course (10:40)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

Today we're talking all about my favorite email marketing platform! Before breaking down all the info I wanted to give you something that goes hand in hand with this topic. I have a free guide to help you dive deep into email marketing. This is designed to grow your email list from 0 to 100 subscribers. So, if you are looking to get your first 100 subscribers, this download is for you! Now onto my favorite email marketing platform... Flodesk! You can try it out for 50% off using this code!

I have used so many different platforms and landed on Flodesk for a reason. I've done mailchimp, mad mimi, ConvertKit, but in the end Flodesk became the winner! The founders are so sweet and truly listen to their customer feedback. What makes Flodesk unique is their price. Every month you pay the same amount regardless of how many subscribers you obtain. This is different from other platforms because you don't get penalized for growing your email list!

I call Flodesk the Canva of email systems. Flodesk is so user friendly and absolutely beautiful! Maybe it has changed since I used it, but ConvertKit required me to do coding in order to add a simple button in my emails. Flodesk makes it simple and easy with a drag and drop design. Choosing layouts, dropping in images and having the choice of pretty fonts made it easy to design around my brand! We are talking about marketing. If your emails don't match your brand then your marketing isn't where it could be.

Now it may have fewer bells and whistles compared to ConvertKit, but it has what you need. Sometimes too many features can be overwhelming! A few of the features that Flodesk has is what they call segments. It allows you to separate your subscribers into groups of people. For instance, you can separate your list into demographics like young families, wedding, seniors, etc. This allows you to send specific emails to these different groups. Now you won't be losing subscribers because they aren't getting emails that don't apply to them. I also use segments with my associate team. I can set up segments for Dallas clients then Richmond clients or Nashville clients, etc.

I love that I can create beautiful and easy opt in forms. An opt in form collects basic info. So, someone fills out their first and last name along with their email and they automatically get added to my email list. You can set this feature to add them to a specific segment too! Flodesk forms have the ability to be embedded into your website or as a pop up and voila you grow your email list.

This feature helps serve your clients well. You can create these automations that when someone enters a segment it then triggers a series of emails to go out. For instance, you can have a 3 day welcome sequence. If someone joins your email list from a pop up they will receive an automated email welcoming them to your business. Then the next day an email automatically goes out introducing who you are and how you got started. Then the last day they can receive an opportunity to book with you or inquire for more session info! These automations save you so much time in the long run! I created a mini course called Email Marketing because taking all this in can seem like a lot. It walks you through the set up, what kind of emails to send out and how to have these workflows in place. You can check out that course HERE!

Email marketing is not dead. My associate team started an email list this year and grew it from ground level. They ended up booking 40 Christmas minis in 2 days from email marketing! So, try Flodesk. It's my favorite email marketing platform for a reason.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

Let's get into Profitable Minis 2.0! If you're listening live the course is OPEN and 50% off! Maybe you're wanting to level up your mini sessions game and need to learn how to make them profitable. Today I'm answering questions about my signature program, so here we go!

Basically Intro to Minis began as the start to minis. It's about 3 hours of content and was launched as a basic foundation for mini sessions. It covers things like structuring your minis and shooting workflow, but it is very different from PMC 2.0. I realized after doing Intro to Minis that there was SO much more information I wanted to put in. So, PMC 2.0 has everything Intro to Minis has but a lot more! The course is a one stop course including 15 hours of content and preparing you start to finish for successful mini sessions. Plus it has plenty of items from the shop like templates, other mini courses, etc. included.

Profitable Minis 2.0 takes a deep dive into marketing. That's one of the major differences between minis booking out or not. There are complete modules set aside solely for marketing and multiple types! Inside this course you'll have screen shares to see how to set up campaigns and tie all your marketing together. That's the beauty of marketing, once you learn how to set it up, it doest the work for you!

I'm often asked, which course is a better starting place: Intro to Minis or PMC 2.0? I suggest PMC 2.0 for those of you that are more advanced in your photography. Intro to Minis is better for beginner photographers (especially those with a more restrictive budget). If you can afford to do PMC 2.0 I still would highly suggest this course. There are payment plan options to help, so if you can swing it I would do PMC 2.0!

Here's the thing, I don't do the best job letting people know about this option. Ultimate PMC 2.0 is the same course, but it includes a 1 on 1 call with me! So, if you're the kind of person that likes more of a "hands on" approach or you need some accountability for implementing this is a great option! Maybe you're looking for individualized feedback and guidance on how to make mini sessions work for your specific business then that's the goal for Ultimate PMC2.0. It's one thing to watch a course, but sometimes you need eyes in on what you're doing. You want someone to look at your work and say "make this tweak, adjust this here" and give you specified advice. This gives you that ability!

Some of you already have Intro to Minis and either want PMC 2.0 or wish you had that instead. I've actually got an upgrade payment option. This way you can get in, but won't feel stressed about the budget. Again, I wanted to make this attainable for anyone so if budget is holding you back there are some options for you! If you want to upgrade just reach out to my team [email protected]!

I believe in this course so much I wanted to give you some security since you've not taken it. Basically the guarantee says if you don't make your investment back (the money invested into the course) after your first set of major minis you can be refunded! I've just seen this time and time again how students invest in the course and make more than they've invested back. So I am confident that once you've applied all that the course offers you will be profitable. Don't miss that part though, you do need to apply ALL that the course instructs. Which makes sense right? PMC 2.0 will walk and educate you through all you need for successful mini sessions, but you've got to apply it!

If you have more questions feel free to DM me! I love answering questions about my signature program and want you to be successful!

Intro to Minis vs. PMC 2.0 (2:24)

What About Marketing (4:23)

Where Should I Start (5:33)

What Is Ultimate PMC 2.0 (6:52)

Already Have Intro to Minis? (8:38)

What Is the Success Guarantee? (9:21)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

There is a time and place for themed minis. Today we'll be talking through the pros and cons to themed mini sessions! But, before we get into it I want you to know I'm hosting a LIVE free class all about MINI SESSIONS! I'll be sharing secrets I use and tips for fully booked minis. Especially with Fall minis literally around the corner it's the right time for you to start prepping! Choose the time that works best for you and join me live (I'll have a Q&A at the end), but if you can't make it live be sure to register for a replay! Now, on to the pros and cons of themed mini sessions...

Themed mini sessions are ideal for those seasonal things like Christmas or Easter. My team does Red Truck Minis and they are such a hit! This is when everyone wants to do nostalgic set ups like Christmas pajama minis, Tree Farm minis or Easter minis. I do a fun picnic mini setup in the Spring and people love it!

They typically are like the "Pinterest worthy" shots that everyone is looking for. Here's the thing: if you're going to do a theme you want to go all out! Choose something that will grab people's attention. Most of the time when you have a setup that is elaborate and Pinterest worthy people will book. They just have to have that robust flower truck for Spring or that fireplace Christmas setup.

A lot of those elaborately themed minis are expensive. Renting all the things or purchasing the right furniture can add up quickly. This can eat into your profit before you know it. So, you have to be prepared to factor that into your cost. Be sure you increase the price of your mini sessions to cover the cost!

Sometimes when you're too specific you miss your audience. A lot of times people want something more generic. For instance, in the Fall I don't do an "autumn themed" setup. I've found that most clients just want updated family photos for cards or frames around the house. Which means they don't necessarily want a specific Fall theme. When nature provides something beautiful enough like colorful leaves, blue bonnets or wildflowers don't add to it! Save your themes for more seasonal or holiday shoots. Back to school is a great themed idea that's not necessarily a holiday!

Think through pros and cons of themed mini sessions before diving in and you'll save yourself time and money!

Pro: Perfect for Seasons (3;11)

Pro: Pinterest Worthy (4:58)

Con: $$$ Expenses (6:57)

Con: Super Specialized (7:27)

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Transcript

Ready to take a stroll down memory lane? Let's take a look back at my very first mini sessions and what I learned! Before that I've got this free class to walk you through all things mini sessions. It's a perfect time with Fall minis just ahead and the best part is it's free! You can invest into yourself and business by setting time aside and taking this class. I know it's June, but it really is time to start preparing for marketing Fall minis. This is why I want to walk you through my very first mini sessions.

I saw a post on Facebook from someone looking for a photographer to do live bunny Easter minis. So, I responded on a whim and said I would do it! I literally decided I'll find a bunny and do sets of minis and priced them at $125. That number was pulled out of thin air and I don't suggest doing that! You need to do a CODB (cost of doing business) and if you don't know how check out THIS YouTube tutorial. I did 4 hours of minis with a lunch break and it was way too much. Each set was 15 minutes and I learned I prefer not to do such a long timeframe. You have to find what works for you!

The location we were shooting was quite a distant away from where clients showed up. I had my assistant escort them back and forth so I could effectively do sessions back to back. You can find out how to shoot back to back by taking that free class mentioned above! Now, you don't need an assistant, but it is so worth it. I pay them an hourly rate and often used people I know personally. They don't have to be a photographer either!

I've experienced poor communication and knew if I was going to start a business or do this part time I wanted communication to be bliss. I discovered how important it is and what an impact it makes on a client experience. This is where my Final Info Email comes into play. Inside the email includes information like specific directions to our location, parking instructions, what to expect when they arrive and the fact that I shoot sessions back to back. This way they know they can't be late! The wording states that if they are late they forfeit their time and they will not be refunded. It goes out one week before the session and has several last minute reminders. You can find it in my Email Templates in the shop!

I send out my Client Experience Guide to prepare clients as best as possible. This all goes into communication and allows clients to have a handle on their session. They come dressed well and with bribes to accommodate kiddos! My clients rave about my communication because I hold it as high priority. I'm telling you start preparing for mini session season so you can succeed! I use my very first mini sessions to learn and grow so I encourage you to do the same with yours!

How it Got Started (2:33)

Have An Assistant (7:17)

Communication Is Key (9:02)

Client Experience Guide (10:39)