Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area.
Dan Waters of danwaterscreative.com describes himself as ‘The World's Most Helpful Photographer.' On his about page, Dan says, I'm running a project to do something nice for someone from every country on earth. With a marketing background, Dan has built a successful photography business in a low income city in the UK, doesn't have a studio and believes if he can do it, anyone can!
After some research and before asking Dan onto the show, I wanted to make sure he'd be a good fit for PhotoBizX. I asked him a series of questions, which we cover in the interview and was happily surprised at each of his replies.
One big thing was the look, style and feel of Dan's website. To me, it didn't look like the site of the most well known photographers in the world. When questioned about it, Dan turned the question around and asked me, if given the choice, would I like a successful business or to look good online?
I knew then, he'd make a perfect guest for PhotoBizX.
Once we'd set a date, Dan asked, what would you like to cover, here are a few things I can happily talk about:
- How I book 89% of wedding clients who meet me
- The huge mistakes photographers make with their website
- How to create special offers that encourage people to book you
- How to triple your income without raising your prices
- How to become the most famous photographer in town
I can't promise we'll get through all of these but I have a feeling this is going to be a jam packed episode.
Here’s some of what we cover in this interview:
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 episode where you can hear lots more content and we dive deeper into some of the earlier topics plus some new ones that I pushed for and include:
If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interview with Dan, get access to an amazing back catalogue of interviews and ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.
I’d rather have a website that doesn’t look so pretty but gets me inquiries than have one that looks pretty but couldn’t win me any clients – Dan Waters
Plus, access to a members only Secret Facebook Group where you can connect with other members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take what you hear in each episode and put it into action. You will not find more friendly, more motivated and caring photographers online.
In addition this week. If you purchase Dan's course (details below), email me your receipt and I'll have an extra bonus for you.
A discount voucher for everyone!
In the interview with Dan today, you'll hear about his Get Pro Photo Club and his instructional videos taking you step by step through his methods to build a profitable and successful photography business faster than learning all this stuff alone.
If you head to https://photobizx.com/GetProPhoto, use the promo code “photobizx” to save 25% off the Four Figure Family Photography Formula Funnel and get a month's access to the vault of webinars.
The videos are detailed and really do go into step by step actions to start making a profit from your business fast. Like Dan says, if he's been able to build a great business in a low income town, there's no reason why you can't start making money from your photography right now.
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything away from what Dan 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 todays episode.
Your biggest competitor is actually in your head – Dan Waters
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Dan or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them below.
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 means 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.
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 key words or keyword phrase and where you'd like me to link to.
Here are a few recent reviews for PhotoBizX:
THE ONLY PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS PODCAST YOU NEED
In iTunes by Adelaide Wedding Photographers Israel Baldago on November 25, 2016
I'm only three years into my photography business, but listening to Andrew's podcasts the last two weeks, I feel like I have gained a decades worth of knowledge.
Andrew's candid interview style makes it feel like you're sitting with a good friend who is telling you the trade secrets you need to know in order to become a successful photographer. I feel confident that every week, I will get a nugget of gold I can implement into my business and lifestyle – it's well worth the investment to go premium and I look forward to our “chats” each week!
Thanks Andrew!
Just so brilliant.
In iTunes by Dorset wedding photographer Louise Rogers from the UK on November 19, 2016
I listen to quite a lot of podcasts, I would say I'm an addict. I prioritise 3 and this is one of them. I've been a premium member for a really long time and I will be forever more.
What I love about it is there is ALWAYS something to take away, there is always an action point or 10 to add to my to do list. It's impossible to listen to the podcast without a notebook as there is so much to learn and note for further research.
Andrew is so humble and I love his interviewing style. He talks to his guests as if he were one of us listeners which I think sets him apart from so many others that speak from an authority point.
I love the personal snippets that he adds to the podcast and I feel like I know him and his wife Linda personally!
All in all, this is an awesome podcast – the premium version podcast is even better – for someone who is just starting out and also for photographers that are already established as there is always something new to think about.
Keep it up Andrew, love it!
Love it!
In iTunes by Robert Burbly of RSB Photography in the UK who specialises in photo manipulation for portraits, and fashion clients on November 16, 2016
Love your show, just wish you did more. Only discovered it last week, keep up the good work. I'm still in two minds about the full membership but I think at some point I'm going to have to get it.
The NEW Photography Xperiment Podcast is live and available
Following the success and support shown by listeners after the experimental format of the recent interviews, the new Photo Xperiment Podcast has been launched and is available on this site and in iTunes now.
Interviews are underway and I'll be looking for new guests, not restricted to wedding and portrait photographers. If you have someone you think would be a good fit, let me know in the comment area below or email me, andrew@photobizx.com.
The idea behind these interviews is to get into the headspace of the photographer and find what makes them tick, what drives them, their thought process, philosophy on shooting and how they achieve what they do with their photography. So yeah, a little technique type content too.
These interviews will not focus on the business of photography – that'll be preserved solely for the weekly and unchanging format of the PhotoBizX podcast.
The easier route isn’t necessarily the best route – Dan Waters
To hear these interviews in your podcast app, you will need to subscribe to the podcast – these interviews will not be delivered automatically if you're subscribed to PhotoBizX. Open your favourite podcast app and search “Photography Xperiment Podcast” or enter the feed URL, https://photobizx.com/feed/xperiment/ into the search field of your podcast app.
Last day today… the Black Friday Special is available NOW!
Black Friday has passed and you only have today to grab a 12 Month PhotoBizX Premium membership for USD$120!
The best price you'll ever see for the membership… ever.
As with any Premium Membership, you'll get access to the full back catalogue of interviews including those with guests like; Fer Juaristi, Jonas Peterson, Sue Bryce, Ryan Brenizer, Yervant, Jerry Ghionis, Nordica Photography, Gabe McClintock, Peter Hurley, Two Mann Studios, Jen Huang plus others.
In addition you'll receive an invite to the most helpful and supportive Secret Facebook Group for members only with your membership.
Click here to get the deal: Black Friday PhotoBizX Membership Special
Nathan Elson presets review
I mentioned last week that Nathan Elson was interviewed for episode 134 of the podcast and it was his photography that caught my eye on Instagram that led to the interview enquiry.
Nathan released a set of Presets that I had to have reviewed by listeners as I don't use Lightroom or shoot RAW files.
Unfortunately, the reports from multiple reviewers weren't as good as I'd hoped…
Installing
I've installed presets before so this wasn't too hard but it would be a good idea to include instructions for how to install the presets files especially for novices. There were no instructions included.
Easy to use?
Easy enough. Click on the preset then tweak exposure/white balance to suit.
Anything you particularly liked or didn't like?
Some of the preset affect exposure and white balance – this is a big no-no in my book.
I find when editing each photo can have a radically different exposure or white balance. That needs to be set independent of the ‘look' that a preset provides.
4:1 b&w to colour ratio. Not many colour options to choose from here!
Also the black and whites are not ‘true' b&w but rather colour presets with the saturation turned to -100. This is throwing away lots of great options for tweaking the black and white mix.
Note: the point above may be way it felt like skin tones don't jump out in these presets – I always try to get my presets to help make the skin tones pop in the image since 99.9% the main thing you are looking for in a photo will be the skin tones of a person.
Will they fit in with your current workflow for weddings or portraits?
Ok, so after 30 mins or so playing around. I don't think I'll be exploring these presets further. There are enough things that make me doubt the standard of these presets.
I could keep digging into what makes them different or if there are interesting things going on, but when we already have some pretty cool presets out there from VSCO, LooksLikeFilm, Redleaf etc, the standard has to be high right from the start and my feeling is that these presets fall short of that standard.
You can see and download the presets here: https://www.nathanelson.com/presets/
On the same page, you'll see exactly what they can do to a “straight out of camera” RAW file with a very cool slider on each image.
Currently, the presets are available for $12 as a 50% off intro special.
Way Up North Conference
I have an interview scheduled with Cole, one half of the duo, Nordica Photography, who are the organisers behind the Way Up North conferences for photographers.
In the lead up, the guys have made created a discount code for 10€ off the ticket prices for Way Up North Italy 2017.
Use the code photobizx up to January 15th 2017.
All the details about what is bound to be another amazing event is here: https://www.wayupnorth.co
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Episode 025: Jonas Peterson – Ignore Wedding Photography for Wedding Photography Success
Thank you!
Thanks again for listening to the show and thanks to Dan for coming on and sharing his thoughts, views on photography and business.
My website has a lot of words on it because I want to get my personality across. I want to get across the fact that I’m there to help, nothing’s too much trouble – Dan Waters
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
A huge thanks to Dan and Andrew for this! I’ve been feeling rather jaded lately regarding my wedding and family photo biz’s, but you’ve inspired me Dan to start marketing myself consistently again. I’ll be purchasing the Four Figure Family Photography Formula Funnel later and will probably sign up to GetProPhoto as well. This is the kick up the pants I’ve been waiting for 🙂
So good to read your comments Dan… feels like mission accomplished if you’re walking away feeling inspired and ready to take action.
Don’t forget to make use of the promo code and special offer Dan made to you in the episode.
Love to hear how you get on with the course and your business. Stay in touch!
Thanks for the great feedback Dan. Thanks also for investing in The Four Figure Family Photography Formula Funnel (4FFPFF!). It’s a step by step approach to finding and booking great clients and then ensuring you get a decent order too (often over four figures – and I’m talking £ not $). Having chatted with you over email and seen your website I know you work and your determination will ensure you’ll be able to earn a great living doing what you love. Now you have a road map too they’ll be no stopping you. Best of luck and give us a shout if you have any questions along the way.
Really enjoyed the interview with Dan. Have a question – What questions did you ask the vendors for the book? Thanks – Chris
Hi Chris
If you’re writing for your audience, as Google says we should then my approach is to place myself in the clients shoes and ask the kind of questions they would ask if taking to the any of their service providers.
For example, if I were booking a reception venue for my wedding, I’d be asking things like…
How far in advance do I need to book?
What are the meal options?
When is the best time to have speeches to be sure the meals will be at their best?
What kind of alcohol tab should I budget for?
What are the cost options for the different packages?
Why time do we need to finish by?
Can we stay later if we want to?
Do you recommend a band or a DJ? Is there room for a band?
If we have photos on the grounds, where are the best spots?
What are the wet weather options?
Etc, etc.
Put yourself in the clients shoes and get answers to any questions they might have.
You can see an example of a similar style interview I did for a couture designer in my area here: http://www.impact-images.com.au/advice-couture-or-off-the-rack/
Thanks Chris, I’m glad you liked it. I asked just 3 simple questions: 1. ‘What are your top tips for anyone choosing a wedding venue (or whatever supplier they were)?”. 2. What are the biggest mistakes you see people make when selecting an x. 3. What’s special or unique about your business?
Great podcast and thanks Dan…… I only seem to sell digital files ……Now where do I get that discount code ?
Hey Jonathan – all the details are in the show notes: https://photobizx.com/195
Here is the part you’re looking for…
If you head to https://photobizx.com/GetProPhoto, use the promo code “photobizx” to save 25% off the Four Figure Family Photography Formula Funnel and get a month’s access to the vault of webinars.
Thanks Jonathan. Digital is a funny one – my clients generally ask for them in the beginning but The Four Figure Family Photography Formula Funnel is designed to gradually and subtly move them away from a cheap digital experience and onto understanding the value of wall portraits. Most people ask for digital because they don’t really know what else to ask. It’s our job to help our prospects understand the different options. It;s like when I go into a garage to get new tyres. I have no idea about tyres so I’m lost when they ask me what I want. I want them to help me by asking me questions and guiding me. I call selling ‘customer service before they’ve bought’ because it’s about helping people, not being pushy. OK, I’ve rambled on enough… thanks again! 😉