This is episode 6, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Makenzie Hollar to discuss her incredible approach to senior rep programs and the challenges of senior portrait photography. Website: www.makenziephoto.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makenziephotography/

Instagram: @makenziephotography

3-4 sentence photography bio:

Makenzie Photography is a wedding and senior portrait photographer based out of Bakersfield, CA specializing in reminding young women how beautiful and powerful they truly are through senior rep programs and intentional encouragement. Makenzie began her business at the age of sixteen and established herself as one of the leading creative photographers in her area by age twenty. Makenzie is best known for her bright, vibrant, colorful work!

2 random fun facts about you:

Orange is my favorite color!

My husband and I had a surprise wedding where our guests showed up to an engagement party and then found out it was a wedding.

Any courses or workshops you’d like to advertise?

No photography courses, but I do have a conference I’m hosting in the spring for high school girls that is connected to my senior rep program!

Tell us about your photography background. When did you start, are you self-taught, did you go to college for photography, etc.?

What made you focus on senior photography, rather than other forms of photography?

We commonly get questions about senior rep programs and one reason I wanted to interview you is because of your awesome approach to these programs. Can you first tell listeners what a senior rep program is, then describe your approach?

We talk a lot about the importance of an extraordinary client experience. Do you do anything other than that epic senior rep program to really elevate your client’s experience.

What are your thoughts on in-person sales?

What do you find to be the two most valuable marketing/advertising tools for your senior photography business? Have you tried anything that was a flop?

Do you have tips for cues, etc. when working with and directing clients?

What gear (non-lighting) do you prefer to use for seniors?

Let’s talk lighting. What’s your favorite lighting equipment and set ups?

What do you think is the most important tip for someone considering being a senior photographer?

What one thing can you not live without when it comes to running your business?

This is episode 5, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Rafal Wegiel to discuss unique and artistic approaches to headshot photography.

Website: https://www.rafalwegiel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rafalwegielphotography/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafalwegiel/

Other social: https://twitter.com/rafalwegiel http://www.youtube.com/c/RafalWegiel https://anchor.fm/rafal-wegiel-podcast

This is another episode with a solid long first segment, and as such we don’t have a sticking points this week.Tell us about your photography background. When did you start, are you self-taught, did you go to college for photography, etc.?

What made you focus on headshot photography, rather than other forms of photography?

You’re known for your non-traditional headshots. What makes your work unique? Did this creativity present itself as a challenge when first starting to build your business, or did this draw people toward you right away?

What tips do you have to encourage others to approach headshots more creatively?

Do you think it is easier to run a headshot photography business specializing in working with individuals or on a high volume basis?

How do you recommend people go about finding work in this field beyond just having a well manicured online life? Is there somewhere in particular you think lends itself to landing the right clientele for this kind of work?

Describe your approach to choosing backgrounds, which is one of the more creative aspects of your photographs.

Do you have tips for cues, etc. when working with and directing clients?

Captivate vanessa von edwards

What gear (non-lighting) do you prefer to use for headshots?

Let’s talk lighting. What’s your go-to lighting system and setup?

What do you think is the most important tip for someone considering being a headshot photographer?

In episode 4 of our season discussing various specialties in portrait photography, Erica and Connor sit down with Sharon McMahon, a total boss and dominating force in the world of newborn portraiture. Even listeners who think they are not interested in doing newborn work will find a wealth of incredible advice and information from this incredible business person and photographer. Sharon McMahon (pronounced McMann) has been a full time portrait photographer on the shores of Lake Superior for more than six years. She’s been named a Hot 100 Senior Grad Photography ICON multiple times, has been named one of the country’s 50 Most Inspiring Photographers, been voted best photographer in her region on five separate occasions, and runs a popular and profitable newborn studio that attracts clients from hundreds of miles away. She is a former high school teacher, and has four children of her own. Website: www.threeirishgirlsphotography.com

Facebook: facebook.com/threeirishgirlsphotography

Instagram: @3igphoto

Other social: threeirishgirls on Pinterest

Tell us about your background in photography. Self-taught or college educated?

Tell us about your career as a newborn photographer. What drew you to newborns?

Newborn photography is a niche that takes some special equipment for being able to better pose babies, make them comfortable, etc. What sort of specialty items should a person looking into this type of portraiture consider getting? Do you have any particular items or brands you love or stay away from?

Backdrop stand

Stretchy fabric for background

Firm surface for baby - posing beanbag, Ikea ottoman, card table with foam

What safety advice can you share with those interested in photographing newborns?

Have an assistant to help you so you can stay with baby

Composite complex poses to ensure baby is always supported

Ensure heat pads and space heaters aren’t too hot occasionally

Always support baby’s head

Secure your equipment and backdrops

Do you have a preference for natural light versus constant light versus strobes? Why one over the other?

You can use any of the three, but preference is toward strobes. Specifically Einstiens + PLM.

Usually placed with light source parallel with the backdrop and move baby around

Also works well with the light being a little off axis to create some shape.

What business advice do you have for someone interested in building a newborn photography business?

Build your skillset first and foremost & build solid portfolio

Develop sustainable pricing system

Develop brand & recognition

Exceptional experience

Exhibit at baby & child fairs

Structure giveaways to collect data

Network

Partner with others

Children’s Boutiques

Hospitals can be good but typically bring in less business

Do you partner with local companies in your area? If so, what kind of companies do you think are best for networking, referrals, and collaboration?

What pricing advice do you have for those interested in newborn photography? What are common package options? Do you prefer in person sales or all encompassing collections?

Know your Cost of Doing Business

Decide how much you want to make

Figure out how much time you are putting into a session

Be confident in yourself and your pricing

What do you think is THE most important tip for someone considering being a Newborn photographer?

In person mentoring with skilled newborn photographers

Can you recommend any newborn courses or workshops? Any courses or workshops you’d like to advertise?

I’ll be an instructor at the upcoming Milky Way Family retreat online

Newborn specific

Amy McDaniel - Dew Drops

Nicole Smith

Sunkist

Sandra Hill Photography

Rachel Vanoven

Business

Sue Bryce

A message from Connor:

Hey guys! Between an absolutely hectic month with work, and the fact that I am out of town filming some educational content in Ireland this week. As such, I just had no way of getting around to editing an episode of the show this week. I apologize for that. We have set a standard for ourselves to release episodes on a regular basis, and do not like to not keep to that standard at this point, but I just couldn’t make the sacrifices I would need to to get an episode out in time. Needless to say, we will get back on a regular schedule ASAP. Thanks for understanding. I love you all and sincerely hope that you are having an incredible week! Connor H

This is episode 3, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Jonny Edward to discuss his experiences as a fashion photographer.

Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Andy Bird to talk about building worth to meet his desired price point

Interview with Jonny Edward

Where to see Jonny’s Work

Website: https://jonnyedward.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/jonnyedwardvisualstoryteller/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jonnycreative/

What is your background in photography? Self-taught?

How did you become a fashion photographer? What drew you to fashion v. other types of portraiture?

I know fashion style work is incredibly competitive and is notoriously difficult to make an artists primary source of income. What are some ways that a person can use their skills as a fashion photographer to build a sustainable business for themselves?

What kind of clientele do you search for? Is it more a matter of targeting Retail clients that want a fashion/editorial feel to their portraits, or do you target particular commercial enterprises?

What goes into planning fashion/editorial work? What is your process like for creating a shoot?

Let’s talk lighting. Do you have a preferred lighting setup? Favorite modifiers? Studio strobes v. speedlights?

What do you think is the most important tip for someone considering being a Fashion photographer?

Do you have recommendations for fashion photography courses or workshops?

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Clay Cook Edu

RGG

Youtube

On Sticking points Connor sits down with Andy Bird of www.thebirdprojects.com to discuss pricing strategies in a difficult market.

This is episode 2, of our season dedicated to talking about different specialties in portrait photography. In todays episode Erica and Connor sit down with Seth from Seth and Beth Photography to discuss specializing in wedding photography as a career.

Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Julie Richardson and talk about whether she should draw a line in the sand and specialize in just one of her two photographic passions.

Website: www.sethandbeth.com

Facebook: facebook.com/sethandbeth

Instagram: sethandbethphoto

Other social: Twitter: sethlovesbeth

Bio:

Seth:

Born and raised in the Akron area.

Graduated HS from Walsh Jesuit HS, BS in Chemistry from College of Wooster, PhD from The Ohio State in Inorganic Chemistry

Learned work hard work and integrity from constant dedication to academics and sports.

Played 4 years of College Football as a center at College of Wooster

Ranked top 10 academically in HS

I have always been willing to take risks to try new things

10 year Football Official; HS Football, Arena Football, Semi-Professional Football, Women’s Professional Football, D3 College Football,

Built a motorcycle from a frame to a working Chopper

Tattoo Artist for 5 years

Magic the Gathering Tourney player and collector

Beth and I have been married for 15 years

2 awesome boys; Geo and Hank

1 awesome dog; Lenny

Any courses or workshops you’d like to advertise?

Tell us about your photography background. When did you start, are you self-taught, did you go to college for photography, etc.?

We started photography in 2010 when our oldest son was born. We bought a camera instead of getting newborn photos. We instantly started taking a zillion photos. Being a scientific researcher by trade, we would find images that we were drawn too and would try to replicate by researching lighting, posing and editing.

Though we are self-taught, we commit every year to growing our skill. We attend workshops, seminars and conferences to gain education.

Two Mann Workshop: Lifestyle Images

Sam Hurd - Creativity

Jeff Newsom - thinking outside the box

Meg Bitton: Editing

Jerry Ghionis: Posing

Elisha Stewart: Lifestyle Images

The Last 40 Percent: Boudoir

What made you focus on wedding photography, rather than other forms of photography?

Are there traits you think are super necessary to work in this type of photography?

I would like to hear about some items you really feel you couldn’t live without when shooting weddings. This show isn’t super heavily focused on gear, but what are some things you feel make your life significantly easier in this grueling type of photography?

Let’s talk lighting. What’s your go-to lighting system and setup for portraits? For receptions?

What tips do you have for posing couples?

What business advice do you have for people looking to build a wedding photography business?

Marketing advice?

New pricing & print structure

What do you think is the most important tip for someone considering being a wedding photographer?

Erica and Connor take an overview of the subject they are talking about throughout the second season of Portrait Session: The different specialties in portrait photography.

This is just an overview of all the different types of photography a person interested in portrait photography can focus on and specialize in as they master their photography.

We by no means feel we have compiled a total and complete list of potential specialties in photography in this list, but this list will be the general guide for us through this second season of Portrait Session.

If you feel like we may have missed something, feel free to join our facebook group and post in there to let us know!

Throughout this season we will be bringing on a number of experts who have mastered their specialty in the field of portrait photography. We will be focusing on our expert's abilities, experiences, and advice for those interested in digging in to their specialty in photography while making efforts to highlight the key factors a person should be aware of that might make any particular specialty different from others.

Specialties in portrait photography

Headshots

Newborns

Weddings

Seniors

Dance

Boudoir

Fashion

Street

Families

Glamour

Sports

Corporate/Commercial

Lifestyle/Documentary

Conceptual

Retouching

Erica and Connor spend the entirety of todays episode answering listener's additional questions that have come up throughout this season as well as tying up other loose ends from the season. We are both sincerely so thankful for all of the love and support you have shown us in transitioning back to our individual podcast feed and for following along with us as we develop a new format for the show. We will be back in a few short weeks with the start of Season 2 of the Portrait Session Podcast.

Season 1 Listener Q&A's

Phil Roccuzzo 1) In the order of operations when setting up your business... do you need to create your business checking account first or do you create the business (llc)first?

2) Regarding insurance... is it best to form your LLC (if that’s your intention) first and then get the insurance under the company name ... OR can you get the insurance prior to forming the llc and update the name after?

3) In your experience from a marketing point of view .. does adding LLc to the name have any impact in clients hiring you ? (ie more confidence in your business... it is ‘legitimate’.. etc)

Wendy Miller Thank you Erica and Connor for a wonderful Season 1. It has been chock full of information. My question is about blogs. I would like to start one on my webpage. Do I start with current photos/events, or go back to the beginning of the year

Boden Eanes 1. As someone just starting, what’s your advice on contracts. As starting we don’t often have the client base to cover costs of lawyers fees to write one or should that just be a personal investment into ur business. General contract advice 🙂

2. When setting up a styled shoot to build/add to your portfolio, what’s the expected cost for a beginner? Personally I am willing to invest some money to get my business off the ground, which is required in some areas, but should this be something we try at the beginning or should this be something once business is up and can support the costs?

3. At what point should I set up a website? I don’t have a client base yet so I don’t know if I should try to get my portfolio built more and after I have clients set it up, or set it up right from the start, or somewhere in between?

4. If you do in person sales and not a shoot/burn style - do you still deliver digitals or are you a shoot/burn photographer who also does in person sales to deliver more product? I understand this could vary a little bit depending on wedding vs portrait photography.

Steven Morrow When starting to transition from just taking photos as a hobby, to starting the business; should I have paying clients first, a web presence, or business license? When tackling task by task what order would you rank the 3?

Nelson Tapias Advice for starting/running a “side hustle” business while you still keep your full-time job.

In todays episode Erica and Connor give you tips for managing life as you transition into your job as a portrait photographer.

Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Frank Gallagher to discuss techniques for bringing out a person’s authentic personality in their portrait.

Step 10 Finding Success: How to manage a transition to a job as a photographer

You do not have to say yes to everything. Set boundaries.

Set aside management/administrative time in your schedule

Management tools

17 Hats or similar programs

Fundy or designer programs

Canva

Later

accounting

Established workflows

Clients

Editing & delivery

Products

Business crap

In todays episode we talk about additional marketing strategies to help you grow your business. Then, on sticking points, Connor sits down with Pete Lagregor to discuss ways he can convert traffic coming to his website into actual bookings.Step 9 Developing additional marketing strategies

Will you operate on word of mouth? If so, is there a way you can encourage that further?

Referral programs

Clear expectations for tagging/photo credit on social media

Relationships with other businesses

Facebook has become a marketing monster

Social media as marketing

Facebook/Instagram/Pinterest ads

Facebook groups

Hashtags and tagging

Plan things ahead of time. When Creating advertisements don’t just ask what it is doing, but how it is doing it and how that will encourage others to follow through on their end.

Think creatively about what needs your ideal client has that only you can fill or that you can fulfill in an easier, cheaper, faster, or better quality than others in your market.

PEOPLE WILL NOT COME TO YOU, YOU HAVE TO GO TO THEM