The Work Between: The Business of Photography

Let’s clear this up once and for all: IPS is not a pricing structure.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what In-Person Sales actually is—and what it’s not. Because photographers keep mixing up “IPS vs all-inclusive” like they’re opposites. Spoiler: they’re not even in the same category.

Here’s what we’re covering:
 

• The difference between how you sell vs what you sell
• Why you can offer albums and digital files when doing IPS
• The myths about “no one wants IPS” or “clients only want digital”
• What matters most: experience, not delivery method

We also talk about our own evolution—from full IPS to online galleries, and how we still drive intentional sales that feel good to everyone.

Whether you’re doing same-day ordering appointments or letting clients decide from the comfort of their couch, this episode will help you sell better—without all the IPS confusion.

Grab our free pricing quiz: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/cost-of-doing-business-quiz-for-photographers
Grab our freebies: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing

We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it.

If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.

And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...
MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.
Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotography
Jenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The fastest way to stall your growth? Spend all your time copying everyone else.

In this episode, we’re getting spicy. Because while imitation might feel like a shortcut, it’s actually keeping you from building something sustainable.
We’re talking about the not-so-subtle habits that photographers fall into when they feel stuck, like:
 

• Using someone else’s images for marketing (yes, even “for inspo”)
• Copying website copy, taglines, or even brand tone
• Posing as a fake client to get someone’s pricing
• Rebranding over and over again instead of building actual systems

This isn’t about being better than anyone. It’s about getting honest:

If your business is built on someone else’s strategy, you’ll never feel confident running it.

This episode will help you spot the behavior, call it what it is, and refocus on building your business—your way.

Grab our free pricing quiz: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/cost-of-doing-business-quiz-for-photographers
Grab our freebies: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing
 

We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it.

If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.

And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...
MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.
Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotography
Jenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’re putting energy into SEO and your website but ignoring your Google Business Profile… it’s time to fix that.

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most underused and misunderstood tools photographers have access to: your Google Business Profile (GBP).
We’ll break down:
 

• Why showing up in the Map Pack matters more than you think
• How your GBP helps you rank even if your website isn’t perfect
• The most common mistakes photographers make when setting it up
• What to post, how often, and how to get reviews that actually work

And yes, we’ll share exactly what we do inside our own business to stay visible without spending a dime on ads.

Whether you’re brand new to GBP or just haven’t touched it in months, this episode is a must-listen if you want more local inquiries without more hustle.

Grab our free pricing quiz: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/cost-of-doing-business-quiz-for-photographers
Grab our freebies: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing

We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it.

If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.

And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...
MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.
Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotography
Jenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“We love your work, but…”

Ugh. You already know what’s coming next.

A soft no that turns into self-doubt, panic pricing, or worse—discounts that eat your profit alive. But here’s what we want you to remember:

You’re not too expensive.
You’re just not for everyone’s budget. And that’s okay.

This episode will help you stop internalizing pricing objections and start owning your worth—without apology.

 

We’re walking through:
 

• What “out of budget” really means (hint: it’s not personal)
• How to use our free CODB calculator to actually price with clarity
• Why being part-time doesn’t mean part-priced
• What to say when someone asks for a discount or compares you to someone cheaper

CODB Calculator (Free): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing
CODB Calculator (spreadsheet): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-design-templates/p/cost-of-doing-business-codb-calculator

Have any questions? Send us an email at [email protected]

We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it.

If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.

And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...
MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.
Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotography
Jenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You’re over-delivering—and undercutting your profit.

Photographers often add more images “just to be nice,” or because a gallery feels incomplete without them. But what is it actually doing?

 

Confusing your client, bloating your workflow, and burning you out.

 

In this episode of The Work Between, we’re walking through the hidden cost of over-delivery and how to easily fix it.
You’ll learn:
 

• Why delivering too many images is confusing your clients (not impressing them)
• How over-delivery sabotages your pricing structure and long-term profitability
• The sweet spot for how many images to include—and how to decide

Grab our freebies:
CODB Calculator (Free): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing
CODB Calculator (spreadsheet): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-design-templates/p/cost-of-doing-business-codb-calculator

Have any questions? Send us an email at [email protected]

We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it.

If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.

And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...
MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.
Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotography
Jenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feeling like your market is flooded? That there are too many photographers and not enough clients? This episode is your wake-up call.
In this episode of The Work Between, we’re breaking down the real reason your leads might be slowing down—and it has nothing to do with saturation and everything to do with strategy.
We’re covering:
 

• What “saturation” actually looks like (and why it’s not the villain)
• The real reason photographers stop getting inquiries (and how to fix it)
• Why brand confusion, not competition, is what kills your momentum
• What to focus on if your market feels crowded

This episode is a tough-love truth serum for anyone tempted to burn it all down and start a sticker shop on Etsy.

Grab our freebies:
CODB Calculator (Free): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-marketing
CODB Calculator (spreadsheet): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/photography-design-templates/p/cost-of-doing-business-codb-calculator

Have any questions? Send us an email at [email protected]
 

We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it.

If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.

And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...
MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.
Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotography
Jenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mini sessions can be chaotic, low-profit, and exhausting—or they can be one of the smartest revenue strategies in your business. In this episode of The Work Between, we’re showing you how we’ve used mini sessions to generate $40K+ months without burning out. You’ll learn how to align minis with your full-service brand, what to charge, how to upsell with intention, and how to use minis as a funnel for long-term clients. Whether you’re planning Fall Santa minis or want to test a new idea, this episode gives you the system behind sustainable success.

What We Cover:

Why most photographers avoid minis—and what they’re missing

The difference between “cheap minis” and a profitable mini strategy

How to build a mini offer that aligns with your full sessions

What to include: bonuses, referral offers, upgrades, and memberships

How to turn one mini into full-session clients and repeat bookings

And don’t forget to join the MOTIV waitlist to get early access → https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it.

If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.

And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...
MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.
Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotography
Jenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fall is the busiest season for most photographers—but that doesn’t mean it’s the most profitable. In this episode of The Work Between, we’re unpacking the five most common Fall mistakes that cost photographers thousands. From unnecessary discounts to overbooking, underpricing minis, and not charging for rushes or weekends, these are the pitfalls we’ve seen (and made) ourselves. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to shift—no matter where you’re at in the season—so you can protect your peace and your profit. Whether you’re just starting out or already fully booked, this one’s for you.

What We Cover:

The difference between being busy and being profitable

How one small mistake can snowball into burnout

What to do when you’re already full (but still getting inquiries)

How to fix Fall, even if you’ve already made a few of these mistakes

The tools we use to course-correct mid-season

🎙 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to join the MOTIV waitlist for early access and exclusive bonuses → https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it.

If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.

And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...
MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.
Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotography
Jenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fall season doesn’t have to feel like a frenzy of last-minute posts, panicked emails, or wondering why you’re not booking — even when demand is high.

In this kickoff episode of our 3-part Fall Push series, we’re walking you through how to plan your entire Fall marketing strategy in just one afternoon. This episode is packed with practical actions you can take right now — so October through December feels calm, profitable, and fully booked.

Here’s what we cover:

The Power of Pre-Planning: Why being proactive changes everything (for your calendar and your nervous system)

What to Plan Now: A step-by-step walkthrough of social media, newsletters, and client incentives that actually drive bookings

Tailoring It to Your Stage: Whether you’re just starting out or fully booked, this episode shows you what to focus on right now

✨ This is the no-fluff, high-impact guidance photographers need to make Fall their biggest season — without overthinking or burning out.

→ Want help tracking your content, incentives, and calendar in one place?

Try MOTIV free for 7 days. It’s your photographer dashboard for getting things done. Join the waitlist here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

🎧 Subscribe + Review:

If this episode was helpful, leave a review or share it with a photographer friend who’s already bracing for Fall. We’re here to make sure you don’t just survive it — you thrive.

We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it.

If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.

And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...
MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.
Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotography
Jenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you wondering if it’s time to start charging for photography, or even launch your business officially? This episode breaks down what actually makes you ready to start charging, legally and professionally.

We’re not talking vibes or follower count. We’re talking about the real stuff that matters: insurance, consistency, systems, and whether you're set up to deliver at a professional level.

Inside the episode, we walk you through:

✔️ The three-part readiness test to know if you're good to go

✔️ The legal + financial foundation you must have before taking a dime

✔️ What counts as a "professional" portfolio and what doesn’t

✔️ Why being ready to charge isn't just about your photos

✔️ The backend systems that make you look like a pro (even before you feel like one)

Whether you're brand new or have been dabbling for years, this episode will give you the grounded clarity you need to take the next step, without second-guessing.

🔗 Plus: Join the waitlist for MOTIV—the photographer’s productivity dashboard that helps you run your business like a pro (without the chaos): https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

We each built 300k photography businesses, and now we’re sharing exactly how we did it.

If this episode made you think “why has no one said this before?” you're not alone. Send it to your photography bestie. Post it to your stories. Leave a review. Not because we asked—but because you wish someone had sent it to you sooner.

And if your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open...
MOTIV is the dashboard we created to quiet the noise and help you actually run your business. The strategy, structure, and systems you’ve been missing? They’re all in there.
Start here: https://www.theprofitableportraitsocietyeducation.com/get-motiv

Allison → lentillephotography.com / @lentillephotography
Jenny → jennycrugerphotography.com / @jennycrugerphotography

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.