Photo Field Notes Podcast: Career Advice for Photographers

Kristy Ryan from went from shooting her first wedding for $200 when she founded Blush Wedding Photography five years ago to being named British Columbia’s top wedding photographer. She now photographs 35 weddings a year—about a quarter of those are destination weddings ranging from Barcelona to Bali.

A few topics from today’s show:

How Kristy got started with as a destination wedding photographer

Why SEO matters

How Kristy builds amazing relationships with her clients

Client gifts

Entering contests to boost credibility

Attracting the clients and work you want

“I think part of why I love photography was…the collaborative nature of it…coming up with an idea and bringing creatives together to make it come to life.” – Kristy Ryan

“One foot in front of the other. Take action. You need to make it happen.” – Kristy Ryan

View a few of Kristy’s photos below, and be sure to follow her on Instagram to keep up on her latest work.

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When Ashley Goodwin moved to Oahu, Hawaii, she had nothing on her books as a photographer. In fact, she had spent the first part of her photography career relying on her sister to help her win clients as a part of a photography team. Within seven months, Ashley had photographed 12 weddings and 15 sessions, and she had booked 19 weddings. Listen to the full interview to find out how networking, social media and a lot of hustle helped her to make a successful transition to a new state.

When Ashley Goodwin moved to Oahu, Hawaii, she had nothing on her books as a photographer. In fact, she had spent the first part of her photography career relying on her sister to help her win clients as a part of a photography team. Within seven months, Ashley had photographed 12 weddings and 15 sessions, and she had booked 19 weddings. Listen to the full interview to find out how networking, social media and a lot of hustle helped her to make a successful transition to a new state.

A few topics from today’s show:

* Starting over in a new place as a photographer.

* How should I network with other wedding vendors as a photographer?

* How should I approach social media for my photography business?

* What does Ashley wish she’d done differently when it came to shooting film?

Be sure to check out Ashley’s BEAUTIFUL photos on Instagram (you may find yourself planning a trip to Hawaii after you see them).

Your Turn to Share!

I’ve set up a call-in line you to call in and have your comments included in future episodes. To share your feedback to this episode, photography questions or your own tips to be featured on the show, call my Google Voice number and record your message: (616) 522-2515

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Derek Cookson left behind a life in IT when he moved from Canada to the U.S. and decided to pursue his passion for photography. Today, he’s bringing the (trademarked) Derek Cookson joy to weddings and family sessions as a full time wedding photographer in the Detroit, Michigan area. I’ve had the pleasure of shooting with Derek—he’s the kind of guy that you want by your side at a wedding.

A few topics from today’s show:

* Standing out from the crowd and selling yourself as a photographer.

* What should you look for in a photography studio space? (And hear how Derek shares his space to make it more affordable)

* Is a storefront photography studio a good idea?

* What’s the benefit of presenting photos in person after the wedding?

* Find out what kind of gear Derek likes to have along with him during weddings and shoots.

Check out Derek’s gorgeous work below, and be sure to visit his website for more.

And to go along with our conversation, Derek was kind enough to share a few examples from his very first wedding. Thanks, Derek!

Your Turn to Share!

I’ve set up a call-in line you to call in and have your comments included in future episodes. To share your feedback to this episode, photography questions or your own tips to be featured on the show, call my Google Voice number and record your message: (616) 522-2515

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Vickie Black and her husband, Jeremy, have been self employed for years, so it wasn't a huge leap for them to start a photography business together. The leap came later, when Vickie decided that she wanted to drop weddings to specialize in senior and teen photography.

Vickie Black and her husband, Jeremy, have been self employed for years, so it wasn’t a huge leap for them to start a photography business together. The leap came later, when Vickie decided that she wanted to drop weddings to specialize in senior and teen photography.

A few topics from today’s show:

* Letting go of a lucrative market (weddings) to specialize.

* How Vickie and Jeremy got into schools for senior photography.

* Creating a model program (Vickie had 60 teens apply for her latest program).

* Creating unique experiences for clients—from pre-session consultations to makeup to the shoot and afterward, including a charity fashion show for her teens.

Check out some of Vickie’s photos from a Footloose themed photo shoot that she did with her models, and be sure to check out her website and follow her on Instagram.

Jeremy also runs Rockology, a rock “school” for kids and teens.

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to leave a review on iTunes so others can find it!

Your Turn to Share!

I’ve set up a call-in line you to call in and have your comments included in future episodes. To share your feedback to this episode, photography questions or your own tips to be featured on the show, call my Google Voice number and record your message: (616) 522-2515

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After I talked with Jonathan Canlas a few weeks ago about why he refuses to specialize as a photographer, I thought it would be fun to counter his views with the views of Alicia Caine, a super wiz on branding, pricing and making it rain in the photography business.

After I talked with Jonathan Canlas a few weeks ago about why he refuses to specialize as a photographer, I thought it would be fun to counter his views with the views of Alicia Caine, a super wiz on branding, pricing and making in rain in the photography business.

Alicia actually just came out with a course on how to take yourself from generalist to specialist as a photographer, and she’s passionate about the power of specializing. In fact, her own specialization was what took her from stay at home mom to full time breadwinner for herself, her husband and their three children (she’s now up to seven kids, and her business has shifted to focus on helping other photographers).

A few topics from today’s show:

* How Alicia found her specialization and why she recommends specialization for other photographers.

* What she would do differently if she was starting her business in today’s market.

* What is specialization versus a category? For example, newborns and weddings are categories, but specializations go even deeper.

* Alicia points out why Jonathan Canlas actually does specialize (she’ll explain how)

* Building sustainability into business.

* Building a brand (branding elements).

You can find more from Alicia through the links below:

* Profit First Photography

* The Photographer’s Pricing System: Get paid what you’re worth for portraits and weddings

* That Thing You Do Course (Going from Generalist to Specialist)

* Alicia’s free ebook: Create Something Bigger

Your Turn to Share!

I’ve set up a call-in line you to call in and have your comments included in future episodes. To share your feedback to this episode, photography questions or your own tips to be featured on the show, call my Google Voice number and record your message: (616) 522-2515

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Amy and Jordan were high school sweethearts— they met when they were 14 years old in freshman english class. After becoming teachers in the same school, Amy found herself getting pulled in by the world of photography. Jordan soon followed, and within a few years, they had both quit their day jobs to run their wedding photography business full time as a husband and wife team.