In this episode of The Shutterbug Club, we’re talking with Alyssa Foster about the uncomfortable side of being a photographer that nobody likes to admit — jealousy, comparison, competition, and the fear of someone else taking your clients.

We dive into handling copycats, building confidence in your pricing, creating a unique brand, and why community will always be more powerful than competition. We also discuss networking, sharing locations, growing through social media, creating unforgettable client experiences, and balancing photography with life outside of business.

If you’ve ever questioned your worth, compared yourself to another photographer, or wondered if there’s room for you in this industry, this episode is for you.

CONNECT WITH ALYSSA!!!

https://www.instagram.com/alyssafosterphotography/

CONNECT WITH SUE

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alyssa Foster and her photography style

02:13 Alyssa's journey from creative portraits to wedding photography

03:27 Dealing with copycats and competition in local photography

05:52 How Alyssa handles copying and originality in her work

08:16 The value of community over competition among photographers

11:00 Inspiration from others and making it your own

15:08 Sharing locations and location scouting tips

19:47 Pricing strategies and confidence in your worth

23:46 Building a personal brand and standing out

27:57 Client relationships and behind-the-scenes storytelling

30:56 Work-life balance and managing family as a photographer

34:25 Upcoming events, retreats, and community engagement

57:03 Where to find Alyssa online and social media tips

Keywords

photography competition, community over competition, photographer mindset, photography business growth, dealing with copycats, photographer comparison, overcoming jealousy as a photographer, pricing photography services, charging what you're worth, photography branding, building a photography business, networking for photographers, photographer community, location scouting for photographers, sharing photography locations, social media for photographers, Instagram reels for photographers, creating unique client experiences, photographer work life balance, photography industry struggles

In this episode, Sue dives into the life-changing principles from The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, exploring how small, consistent actions lead to success over time. She shares personal examples and practical insights on the power of the slight edge and the importance of patience and persistence.

Whether you're building a business, working toward a personal goal, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this episode will inspire you to trust the process, stay consistent, and let time work in your favor.

Connect With Sue
https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Keywords

photography business tips, how to grow a photography business, photographer mindset, small business growth, entrepreneurship mindset, The Slight Edge book review, Jeff Olson The Slight Edge, habits for success, consistency in business, building a successful photography business, photography entrepreneurship, creative business owner, overcoming failure in business, long term success mindset, business growth strategies, improving client experience, building trust with clients, photographer motivation, staying consistent as a creative, personal growth for entrepreneurs

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to 'The Slight Edge' and its significance

01:25 The simplicity of success and the importance of small choices

02:19 The concept of compounding and its application beyond finance

03:13 The penny doubling example and the power of gradual growth

05:28 The importance of not interrupting the compounding process

06:16 Upward vs. downward spirals and daily decision-making

07:04 The long-term impact of small, consistent health choices

08:38 Short-term pain for long-term gain: workout and diet examples

09:10 Learning from mistakes and embracing failure

09:39 Personal story: a business mistake and its lessons

11:05 Building relationships through small, consistent actions

13:11 Trust-building with clients and the power of tiny touches

15:27 The long-term journey of podcasting and patience

16:53 The transformation through 75 Hard and daily discipline

18:06 Recap: planting seeds and trusting the process

19:04 Reflecting on small actions creating big results

Do you want to wake up in the morning so excited to jump out of bed and start your day because you know you are making a real impact? In this episode, Sue shares how creating routines and habits can transform your mornings and evenings, boost motivation, and lead to long-term success. She discusses practical strategies like habit stacking, visualization, and accountability to build a productive daily rhythm.


Connect With Sue

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Keywordsa

habits,routines,productivity,morning routine,evening routine,self-discipline,personal development,success,motivation,habit stacking

00:00 The Power of Morning Motivation

02:53 Building Effective Routines

05:44 The Impact of Habits on Success

07:56 Creating a Productive Environment

This episode is all about senior rep teams. Sean Brown shares his insights on building a successful senior photography business, focusing on the power of senior rep teams, strategic marketing, and efficient business practices. Learn how to attract clients early, leverage influencer marketing, and create a sustainable, profitable business.

Connect with Sean!

https://www.instagram.com/seniorphotoeducation/

https://www.instagram.com/seanbrownproductions/

Connect with Sue

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Keywords

high school senior photographer, senior photography business, senior rep team, senior model team, senior ambassador program, how to start a senior rep team, profitable photography business, senior portrait photography, photography business tips, photography marketing, senior photography marketing, book more senior clients, luxury senior photographer, photography education, portrait photography business, photography podcast, high school senior photos, senior session experience, photographer business coach, photography entrepreneurship

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Senior Photography and Rep Teams

02:34 The Transformation of Photography Business through Rep Teams

05:49 Marketing Strategies for Upcoming Senior Classes

09:21 Building Relationships with Future Clients

13:02 The Model Call Process for Client Acquisition

14:32 Common Misconceptions about Rep Teams

19:23 Structuring a Successful Rep Program

23:16 Application Process for Rep Teams

28:25 Pricing Structure for Senior Rep Programs

32:44 Monetizing Photography: Strategies for Success

34:13 The Importance of Trust in Pricing

37:22 Transparent Pricing: Building Client Trust

41:14 Referral Strategies: Leveraging Your Senior Rep Team

45:05 Creating a Supportive Team Environment

48:02 Navigating Exclusivity in Senior Rep Programs

54:51 Steps to Launching a Senior Rep Team

01:00:53 Exploring Key Themes

In this episode, Mia Kayser shares her inspiring journey of doing the thing most people won't do and stepping outside her comfort zone to grow her photography business through door-to-door networking, social media, and mindset shifts. Discover how embracing vulnerability and persistence can lead to unexpected opportunities and community connections.

Connect with Mia!!

https://www.instagram.com/miakayserphoto/

Connect with Sue!!

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Keywords

photography, business growth, networking, door-to-door, mindset, social media, rejection therapy, creative entrepreneurship

Key Topics

The importance of stepping outside comfort zones for growth

Using door-to-door outreach to build local connections

Overcoming fear of rejection and self-doubt

The role of mindset and affirmations in success

Leveraging social media to showcase work and attract clients

Building community through authentic engagement

Balancing introversion and extroversion in business

Long-term benefits of networking and relationship-building

Chapters

00:00 Stepping Outside Comfort Zones

03:09 The Importance of Networking

06:18 Mia's Door-to-Door Project

09:06 Building Community Through Photography

12:10 Overcoming Rejection

15:00 The Journey of Self-Identity

18:20 Positive Experiences and Connections

21:08 Mindset and Affirmations

26:22 The Power of Affirmations and Belief

31:54 Reframing Rejections and Building Confidence

32:54 The Value of Vulnerability and Connection

36:46 Creating Community Through Sharing Experiences

41:18 Pursuing Creative Passions and Overcoming Fear

Sue shares her formula for creating viral videos and how shes been able to build a personal brand. She also touches on what a personal brand is, why having a good hook is important, but there is something even more important than having a good hook. Something that will help you stand out against all the content being pushed out and against ai and that is you and your personal brand. Lastly, Sue touches on the 3 ways you can make money with social media. If you want to build a personal brand or get into content creation, this episode is for you!

CONNECT WITH SUE

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug

Keywords

photography marketing, personal branding for photographers, viral video strategy, content creation tips, social media marketing, photographer personal brand, video hooks, storytelling in content, photography business growth, creator economy, social media for photographers, authentic marketing, building an online audience, content creator mindset, Instagram marketing, TikTok for photographers, monetizing social media, photography entrepreneurship, standing out from AI content, brand visibility and audience growth

Amanda McKay shares her journey from model to photographer, discussing branding, niching, rebranding, and balancing multiple income streams. Learn practical tips on growing your photography business, overcoming self-doubt, and embracing the process of creative evolution.

CONNECT WITH AMANDA

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/byamandanicolee/

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug 

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Email: [email protected]

Chapters

00:00 From Model to Photographer: Amanda's Journey

09:57 Navigating the Transition: Balancing Jobs and Passion

19:54 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

29:56 Rebranding: Evolving as a Photographer

32:51 The Importance of Niche and Brand Identity

36:09 Emotional Challenges in Career Transitions

39:48 The Long Road to Success and Growth

44:07 The Metamorphosis of a Creative Journey

52:47 Reflection and Intentional Growth in Creativity

Key Topics

Journey from modeling to photography

Branding and niching strategies

Rebranding and evolving your business

Balancing multiple income streams

Mindset shifts and overcoming self-doubt

In this episode, Sue chats with expert Zoelle Korogodsky all about how photographers can leverage community-building events and influencer collaborations to grow their brand, sharing strategies for creating engaging, community-focused photo shoots and brand partnerships!

CONNECT WITH ZOELLE!!!!

Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoellleeee/

Check out Catwalk Group on IG!

https://www.instagram.com/catwalkcarnival/

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug 

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Email: [email protected]

Keywords

photography, brand building, influencer marketing, community events, high school seniors, brand collaborations, social media strategy, content creation, micro creators, event planning

.

.

.Chapters

00:00 Creating Community Through Photography Events

02:43 Engaging Influencers and Building Excitement

05:42 Curating Memorable Experiences for Creators

08:35 Fostering a Sense of Community at Events

11:25 Innovative Activities for Photographers

14:51 Pitching Ideas to Brands Effectively

18:42 Effective Brand Representation in Influencer Marketing

20:37 Strategic Pitching to Brands

21:59 Building Relationships with Brands

22:51 Encouraging Participation from Young Creators

25:30 Creating a Supportive Community

27:51 Managing Competition Among Creators

31:40 The Importance of Contracts in Collaborations

Zoelle shares insider tips on how content creators and photographers can get invited to brand events, PR opportunities, and build lasting relationships with brands. Learn about creating community, pitching effectively, and leveraging social media to elevate your influence.

Key Topics

• How brands select creators for PR events
• Effective pitching strategies for influencers
• Building authentic community and relationships
• Leveraging social media for brand opportunities
• Creating high-quality, engaging content

CONNECT WITH ZOELLE!!!!

Say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoellleeee/

Check out Catwalk Group on IG!

https://www.instagram.com/catwalkcarnival/

CONNECT WITH SUE :)

Say hi on Instagram: @sue.shutterbug 

https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Email: [email protected]

Keywords

content creation, PR events, brand collaborations, influencer marketing, community building, social media strategy, creator tips, brand partnerships, event planning, influencer outreach

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to PR Events and Community Building

03:06 Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Catwalk Carnival

06:11 Expanding the Catwalk Group: Events and Collaborations

07:53 Coachella Experience: Insights from the Festival

10:43 Engagement Strategies for Creators

13:41 Building Relationships with Brands

16:51 Retention and Future Collaborations

18:20 The Power of Personal Touch in PR

18:46 Effective Outreach Strategies for Creators

21:49 Building a Portfolio and Media Kit

23:58 Crafting the Perfect Pitch

25:47 Maximizing Your Online Presence

29:05 Creating High-Quality Content for Brands

If you have ever wondered how to actually get good photos of yourself, this episode is for you. Sue walks through her six-step process for taking self-portraits, which she has been using for the past 3 years. She talks about everything from mindset to hot to pose and setting up your camera to get the perfect self-portraits!

Instagram - say hi!
https://www.instagram.com/sue.shutterbug/

Keywords

self portrait photography tips, how to take flattering self portraits, beginner self portrait ideas, natural light self portraits guide, creative self portrait poses, how to feel confident in photos, storytelling through self portraits, self portrait lighting techniques, golden hour self portraits, indoor self portrait setup, camera vs iPhone self portraits, self portrait composition tips, capturing authentic expressions, self portrait editing workflow, how to pose yourself naturally, self portraits for personal branding, confidence in front of the camera, self portrait outfit ideas, artistic self portrait concepts, how to take photos of yourself that feel like you

00:00 The Power of Self-Portraits

04:25 Mindset for Taking Self-Portraits

07:51 Planning and Styling Your Shoot

09:20 Gear and Setup Essentials

13:52 Lighting and Background Considerations

15:46 Shooting Flow and Techniques

17:58 Posing and Facial Expressions