Photographer: Have you ever wished that you could connect to clients faster, more personally, and with more depth? Do you find yourself frequently answering the same questions? Do you find yourself frequently answering the same questions? Are you often writing the same email again and again? Nate Grahek of Sticky has four words for you: Video and Email Sequencing. Today's episode of The PhotoTellers answers what you may not know about video and email strategy. What else do Nate and I discuss?

• Whiskey, including a wager over a bottle of Angel's Envy
• How to respond to pricing requests. Bill & Nate argue about posting prices online.
• Using email sequencing--why it's more effective than the email newsletter. Use the power of intrigue to get your emails opened.
• Using automation to make an amazing first impression (even if you're asleep).
• How to use video messaging--and how you can transform your emails!
• Do you need pro equipment to create videos?
• What is Sticky, and how does it help your clients spread the word about you?

Nate mentions 2 video services to help you (and me) record quick, simple videos. Click the links below:

useloom.com

Soapbox by Wistia

As the conversation concludes, you'll learn more about Nate's company Sticky. If you'd like an app that helps clients show off your work, or you need help with emails that are written SPECIFICALLY FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS, stay tuned through the end.

Nate promised a link for a free trial for listeners of the show. Wanna look under the hood?

CLICK HERE.

And finally--do you have questions for Nate? Send him and email: [email protected]

Photographer Connor Fuller's portrait business is growing. 2018 was his best year ever, and 2019 is looking to be substantially better. As many Photographers (especially Photographers of HS Seniors) are lamenting the lack of business, why is Conner enjoying his best years ever? How is he doing it? If you're interested, today's episode of The PhotoTellers podcast is for you.

As Connor and I meander through this conversation, you'll hear about:

1. How he recovered from losing half of his sales, and how he regained the trust of angry clients
2. Last year's sale after tax: $204,000. This year's goal before tax: $300,000. How will he get there?
3. His church's motto: "Create an irresistible environment." How is he doing that in his studio?
4. The #1 tool he's using to grow his business.
5. How to effectively use Facebook ads
6. How he uses giveaways to grow his business
7. His most effective video ever
8. Do you need top-of-the-line gear for video?
9. Our discussion about the impact of square videos. CLICK HERE to learn more.
10. Connor's final word to Photographers: It's more than making money--let's elevate the communities we're in

Find Connor's WEBSITE HERE, or see him on FACEBOOK HERE.

Is it possible to more effectively critique your own photography? Can you learn to genuinely appreciate work that you genuinely don't like? Can a few guidelines help you better understand your own--and others'--work? Luke Edmonson, today's guest on The PhotoTellers seems to think so.

My conversation with Luke divides into two sections. We first discuss the process for evaluating our own photography--how do we "get out of our own way?" We then transition to judging the work of other photographers, and Luke's call for help. If you have been, or want to be, a judge of a formal photographic competition, the second section is for you.

Along the way, Luke and I explore:

• Other than photography--Luke's coolest job
• "All opinions have value, but not all opinions are equally valuable, because not all opinions are equally informed."
• The concept of "enlightened cherishing"
• What is Luke's process for evaluating an image--and how can we apply it to our own work?
• Impact,and then the Universal impact of a work
• How does the Photographer control the context of how his/her work is viewed?
• How do we learn to appreciate work that we don't like?
• Why enter print competition?
• Luke's opinion of character traits for an ineffective judge/for an awesome judge

Luke concludes our conversation with an interesting discussion of FEAR. How can we transition our fear into a fear of missing out? Check the last few minutes to hear more.

I mention the course I'm attending with Luke and his father David Edmonson: January 28-30, 2019. Interested in this event, or maybe the next one? LEARN MORE HERE.

Find out what's happening at WPPI by clicking HERE.

Learn about the WPPI awards competition HERE.

And as Luke referenced, you can find WPPI on their Facebook page, and also the Judges Pool & Training.

Imagine this: You're a successful Photographer, TEDx speaker, instructor, wife, and mother. Your career is exploding as you joyously create the portfolio life that you love. Then two words change your life: Breast Cancer. It's been just over 8 months since Jen Rozenbaum's diagnosis. She's been transparent about her ups and downs through the struggle, and she kindly joins The PhotoTellers to answer even more questions.

THIS CONVERSATION IS FOR PEOPLE WHO:

1. Want to learn about success in boudoir photography (yes, we talk business)
2. Love Jen and want to hear more about her journey
3. Are wondering what to say--and not say--to someone struggling with cancer

If you missed the first conversation here with Jen, CLICK HERE.

A few more teasers from this episode:

• "What is feminism?"
• "The pictures are secondary . . . the pictures are a souvenier." -Jenn
• One of the most memorable stories from her career.
• The difference between successful and non-successful boudoir photographers (it's not about skill).
• Her favorite resources: why musicians and chefs?
• Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure book
• Giving meaning to "disease"
• How to stop your own mental downhill spiral: "Flipping the script"
• 3 things not to say to someone who has cancer
• Her Wonder Woman photo: power of the vision photos give us

See Jen and connect with her {and grab a free guide to her top 5 selling poses} by CLICKING HERE.

My conversation with Bryan Peterson, author of one of Jen's favorite books HERE

Arthur Grace [photo by Bill Pierce]

For nearly 20 years, Photographer Arthur Grace photographed Robin Williams. Initially Robin was an assignment, then a client, and then a friend. On today's episode of The PhotoTellers, you'll hear Arthur talk about his work with Robin, as well as a brief overview of his work with UPI, Time magazine, and Newsweek magazine. His has truly been a storied career!

If you or a friend are a fan of Robin Williams, click the link below to grab Arthur's book! Therein you'll learn more about the professional and personal life of an icon, and see never-before published photos.

*Disclosure: These are affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I will receive (at no extra cost to you) a commission.

If you'd like to see more of Arthur's work, find his website HERE.

As 2017 draws to a close, I'm taking a few moments to talk about The PhotoTellers podcast. And I'm asking for your help.

The PhotoTellers is changing. Changes are already in motion, but I still need your help! How would YOU like to see the show change? What would make it better? Who would you like to hear as a guest? What facets need to grow . . . and what needs to die? Your input is INVALUABLE to me!

EMAIL ME with your thoughts.

As the show ends, I share with you a few of my favorite resources. As promised, here are the links:

BEYOND CRAFT: The Art of Photography by Luke & David Edmonson.

Art Meripol

Twenty four years shooting for Southern Living magazine, plus more years freelancing, Photographer Art Meripol has spent his career photographing magnificent places, intriguing people, and fantastic food! As of this writing, he is concluding his most rewarding project to date: Civil Rights historian.

On this episode of The PhotoTellers, Art explains his photographic role working with The US Civil Rights Trail. You'll learn this Photographer's role as a historian, as well as:

• How the project went from Alabama, to the United Nations, to 14 states
• What is the trail? What is the purpose?
• The personal impact of the project on Art himself
• How a Photographer who loves "joy and beauty" takes a journey through some of America's ugliest days

As with my previous conversation with Art, I can't help but hear the same attitude: This guy is grateful to be a Photographer! If you know someone that is considering photography as a career, send them this link!

His eclectic career has taken him to scores of concerts where he's photographed superstars [find that work HERE].

And that same eclectic ride has taken him throughout the state of Alabama to photograph some of the state's (the country's?) best Barbecue!!! At the end of the conversation, you'll hear us discuss the uniqueness of Alabama BBQ.

Landscape/Adventure Photographer Erin Babnik again joins The PhotoTellers to discuss one of her favorite topics--COMPOSITION. Regarding composition: Is the landscape photographer primarily at the whim of luck, or timing, or serendipity? Or are there more deliberate mental tools that he/she can wield to create works of art with strong composition?

That's the topic of today's conversation. While you're listening, you'll hear the one word that Erin calls the "guiding light and essential goal of composition."

What else do we discuss?

• Her mindset when she approaches a new subject
• Composition Hierarchy
• How landscape photographers are changing the art of photography--and the debate they're causing
• Why people are calling her talks on composition "inspirational"
• WHEN composition happens, and honing our visual literacy
• How composition creates forced perspective and bestows meaning
• Erin's goal in her work--not simply the creation of beautiful art
• How you can benefit from the education from the Photo Cascadia members

As we conclude, you'll hear Erin's encouragement to the Photographer who doesn't feel like he/she is advancing like they "should."

Wanna learn more? Find Erin's website HERE.

Click HERE to look at the work of Photo Cascadia.

Find Erin's previous conversation on The PhotoTellers HERE.

About Erin:

Erin Babnik is a full-time adventure landscape photographer, photography educator, writer, and speaker. She is known for her ambitious images, for her adventurous approach in the field, and for her thought-provoking writing and speaking. Her dedication to outdoor photography evolved out of her years working as an art historian, photographing at archaeological sites and in museums for the purposes of teaching and research. She subsequently spent years producing photographs on assignment before transitioning to her specialty of wilderness photography and teaching photography workshops worldwide.

In 1864, your great-grandfather started a portrait photography business in Scotland. Four generations later, you're at the helm of the family business.

You've been internationally recognized for your portrait, wedding, and fine art nude work.

You're Trevor Yerbury, and along with your wife Faye, the two of you are still undertaking ambitious projects.

The Yerburys graciously gave their time for this conversation on The PhotoTellers. What can you expect to learn?

• What do they find exciting in photography today?
• More details about his family's business, including the 4 years of Trevor's apprenticeship
• Faye's 2 words of advice for the working photographer
• The photographers that Trevor & Faye most admire
• Why they maintain that nude photography is the most difficult
• After all these years, Trevor has NEVER been bored with the work! He explains
• Why do they still utilize vintage printing techniques?
• Learn about the workshops they offer, and how you can be one of the few people in attendance
• Tips for working with a nude model

You'll also learn about the exciting new book they're publishing--the first of its kind for the Yerburys! Click the cover below, and see how you can support the book!

See more of the Yerbury's beautiful work HERE, and learn more about their work with other photographers HERE.

Find them on Facebook HERE.

Be ready to rethink your idea of "Photography," and your idea of "success" on this episode of The PhotoTellers. Australian photographer Gee Greenslade shares the inspiration of her highly-creative work, and also a vulnerable look into her journey.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, Gee was made a Master of Photography by the Australian Institute of professional photography in 2016. Gee is a Photoshop nerd, with over ten years experience creating surreal digital artworks.

Gee is one of South Australia's most awarded artists, recently having won the highly prestigious Australian Illustrative Photographer of the year in both 2016 and 2015 and South Australian Professional Photographer of the year for 2015. Other accolades include top 5 Illustrative in the International Loupe Awards, South Australian Contemporary Photographic Artist of the year in 2012, two time South Australian Illustrative Photographer of the year and has represented Team Australia in the world Photographic Cup.

Gee Greenslade is a self professed geek, ukulele enthusiast, giant dork and dog lover.

What can you expect from this conversation?

• Have you ever met a "ukelele enthusiast?" Now you will.
• Gee defends her statement: "The darkroom taught me everything I know about my digital practice."
• Learn about the time a student helped bring her work back to her missed childhood
• How her work is created for the girl she used to be. What did that child need to hear?
• What do successful artists have in common? Three things.
• How to find a great mentor.
• Why she is so open and vulnerable on her blog
• The story of when she'd achieved success, then "fell on her face."
• Glitch Art & using sound waves incorporated into her digital work [see the image above]
• What's next for her?

If you want to connect with Gee, it's easier than you think! You can:

1. Contact her via her website
2. Have a custom consultation one on one with her (contact through her site)
3. If you're near the Adelaide, Australia, area; find her teaching at The Centre for Creative Photography

If you enjoyed this episode, and want to know when more publish, subscribe to the show [links at the top of this page], and/or "LIKE" The Fireside Network on Facebook.