Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area.

Richard Hill of www.therichardhill.com is based in Dallas, Texas in the USA and is today's guest for an instalment of The Coaching Diaries.

When I was given Richard's name as a potential guest for this episode, I took a look online, to see what I could learn about him.

First up… his work is fantastic! He has a portfolio any photographer would be proud to call their own.

His images show movement, emotion, connection, drama, creativity, expression, humour, skill and a complete understanding of the art of photography. This is one talented photographer.

I found myself asking, why would this photographer need a coach?

Here's some more of what we cover in the interview:

  • Is Richard finally where he wants to be with his photography business
  • The challenge of offering something unique to each client
  • A backstory on how Richard started his photography business
  • The gear he used when starting a business on a shoe-string budget
  • The impact of hiring a coach for Richard and why he NEEDED one
  • Reaching a record sales month of USD$44k!
  • Richard's target sales per session
  • How to determine the right coach for your business
  • How Richard feels about the photographs he shoots today
  • Richard's shooting process for connection and sales
  • What it costs to hire Bernie as a business coach
  • What happens after you sign up with Bernie
  • Benefits of using a business coach
  • Why Richard had to resort into hiring a business coach
  • Richard's reason for rebranding and renaming his business
  • What it's like to shift photography styles
  • Richard's opinion on shifting to black and white photography
  • Does Bernie teach more than Facebook Ads or is that his sole focus for bringing in clients
  • JPG vs RAW
  • Where Richard sees his business in 12-months time

I'm getting better at this (the busienss side of photography), but my house has to be on fire sometimes before I start moving. – Richard Hill

Richard Hill Photography Podcast

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

If you’re a premium member, you should have received an email with links to your version of this interview – the full length and more revealing version where you hear the absolute best tips and advice from every guest.

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, get access to an amazing back catalogue of interviews and ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus special member-only interviews.

When my wife saw the bank account and saw how things were going, she felt like crying. We've been struggling forever and this is the first time that she has felt like there are no worries about money. – Richard Hill

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. There are also FB live video tutorials, role-play interviews and special live interviews happening in the group. You will not find more friendly, more motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to and instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable and build friendships with other pro photographers with similar motives to you – to build a more successful photography business.

Richard Hill Photography Podcast

What is your big takeaway?

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything away from what Richard shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below, let me know what your takeaways were, what you plan to implement in your business as a result of what you heard in today's episode.

If I can do it, anybody can, because I can shoot and make photos. I can make pretty photos. But I had no idea how to run a business. Like none, like zero. – Richard Hill

If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Richard or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

Richard Hill Photography Podcast

iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs

Each week I check for any new iTunes reviews and it's always a buzz to receive these… for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they really are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes is the biggest search engine when it comes to podcasts and it's your reviews and ratings that help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and ultimately a better show.

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes and you can leave some honest feedback and a rating which will help both me and the show and I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

I'm getting better at this. But my house has to be on fire sometimes before I start moving. And I'm getting better at this, and Bernie's been a real big help for me. – Richard Hill

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast and email me your keywords or keyword phrase and where you'd like me to link to.

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has made a difference to you and your photography business.

Use coupon code “photobizx50” for $50 off the ticket price. Premium Members, get an additional 15% rebate from me.

The Pet Photographers Virtual Conference

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Over 15 expert speakers (including me!), 3 full days of live, virtual events, packed with unique strategies, tips and techniques for growing your pet photography business, this is the event you do NOT want to miss.

Tickets are available now.

The conference runs from the 4th – 6th February, with a week of replays for those who can’t catch it live. Grab your seat and save $50 using my coupon code photobizx50. Premium PBX Members, get an additional 15% rebate from me.

Daily Vlog Challenge

PhotoBizX Daily Vlog Challenge – STARTS TODAY

The number one reason to use video in your photography business – to make a personal connection with your prospective client, faster than ever before.

You can do this with video on your website, in your email replies, advertising and retargeting. 

In-person is best but next, there is no faster way to make a connection than you talking to your clients via video. 

If you generally book most of the clients you meet with face to face, imagine building that bond earlier in your process and before other local photographers. It'll mean more bookings for you. Fantastic right? As long as you can be yourself and make the same kind of connection you do in person. And you can! 

Want to learn how to get comfortable being yourself on camera?

This Challenge will get you there. 

The improvement and transformation in members videos has been extraordinary as we add something new to focus on throughout each module – from lighting, framing, eye contact, intro and outros – all with daily prompts.

Everyone involved is getting daily feedback, and it's easy to see the fun we're all having as we progress.

The next Challenge is starting soon! Click the link and add your details to get involved: http://dailyvlogchallenge.com

The way it works

  1. Watch the daily video (with topic/Challenge included) uploaded into a separate post each day – excluding weekends.
  2. Record your video reply and upload into the comments for that unit.
  3. Once your video is uploaded, leave comments or constructive feedback (if requested) on at least 2 videos from other participants. 
  4. Wait for feedback on your recording and implement suggestions into your next Challenge.

That's it, as simple as that. ???

Richard Hill Photography Podcast

Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:

Richard Hill Website

Richard Hill on Facebook

Richard Hill on Instagram

Peculiar Portfolio on Instagram

Episode 326: Marcus Anthony – This is how you run a successful portrait photography business

Episode 350: Brian Kellogg – Making the move from wedding photography to profitable portraits

Bernie Griffiths Website

Episode 136: Bernie Griffiths – A Challenge for You to Book More Portrait Photography Sessions

Episode 30: Bernie Griffiths – Photography Business Success Coach

Episode 198: Bernie Griffiths – Facebook Ads and The Missing Link To Successful Sales

Episode 231: Bernie Griffiths – How to Make the Successful Leap to Pro Photographer

Episode 271: Bernie Griffiths – Your Photography Business Questions Answered plus WanderSnap

Episode 322: Bernie Griffiths – The importance of shooting saleable images in your photography business

Episode 363: Bernie Griffiths – Business growth for wedding and portrait photographers

Richard Hill Photography Podcast

Thank you!

Thanks again for listening and thanks to Richard for coming on to share his thoughts and experiences after hiring Bernie as a business coach. And for sharing the struggles, successes and work that goes into building a sustainable photography business today.

I've been shooting so much over this last year, I've never shot more in my life. Like never. I've been able to try a lot of different things and I think I've got a pretty decent recipe at the moment. – Richard Hill

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions about this episode, please be sure to leave them below in the comment section of this post, and if you liked the episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post!

That’s it for me this week, hope everything is going well for you in life and business!

Thanks and speak soon
Andrew