Amanda Schulz of ACS Studios is based in Edmonton, Canada and started her portrait photography business to show women how amazing they truly are. Do what Amanda's been doing in her business and you'll learn how to find your way as a portrait photographer today – she is amazing!
I asked Amanda to do this interview because of the way she's doing business… always evolving, trying new things, experimenting with her marketing, sales, pricing, shooting style and advertising. From the outside looking in, the work seems to be paying off!
In addition to her portrait photography business, she is a full time teacher. Although she has enough photography work to go full time, her choice is to do both, photography and teaching. Why would she possibly want to do both? That is one of the first things I ask in the interview.
Her mission as stated on her website:
I want to show you how beautiful you are. I want to empower you to feel amazing in your own skin. I want to change the way you see yourself.
Then, on her about page she says:
When bananas and peanut butter and chocolate are combined in any format, what-so-ever, I need to be involved.
Now that is something I could not get away with on my about page!
Full disclosure…
Amanda is a long term listener and a Premium Member of PhotoBizX but that's not why I contacted her for this interview. The last thing I want is a one hour plug for the show.
You'll hear from what Amanda shares in this interview, she is one savvy business women with a skill for finding her brand and mission early in her photography career. From there, it's been success upon success.
This episode just may be the catalyst to have you pursuing your dreams of a profitable photography business and following in Amanda's footsteps as she shines the way forward.
Here’s some of what we cover:
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 from where we dive deeper into some of the earlier topics plus some new ones that I pushed hard for that include:
PLUS! 30 Days of Gorgeous – The Guide
If you can see the potential Amanda’s 30 Days of Gorgeous could have for your business, you are going to love the PDF Guide she has put together which explains how to implement the strategy step by step.
This Guide is available at Amanda’s Easy store for $10 (and you should definitely buy this if you're a free listener) and she has generously made it available to Premium Members, FREE.
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 Ben Hartley, get access to an amazing back catalogue of interviews and ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.
Plus, access to a members only Facebook group where we take learning and community to a whole new level.
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I’d love to know what your biggest takeaway is – what is the one thing that you’d like to implement or learnt from what was shared? Let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.
It's important to me that the people I photograph and put on my website are not intimidating to my future clients – Amanda Schulz
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Amanda 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 and your name.
Black Friday Special for 12 months Premium Membership
The Black Friday Deals are almost over and there has never been a better time to become a premium member.
There's never been a special for the premium membership but there is one now and time is running out for you to take advantage. You have until midnight Monday 30th November 2015.
There is a massive 40% off for that one weekend only and only for the 12 month subscription.
Normally priced at $200USD, the special price will be $120USD. Again, this will be the only special for the year and it's only for the one weekend.
I'll send links to the special sign up page to anyone on my email list which you can get on by simply downloading my free ebook – How To Book More Portraits Than You Ever Thought Possible.
New Facebook Group for Premium Members
The new Facebook Group for Premium members has kicked off and is going amazingly well. The camaraderie, help, support, questions and answers have been overwhelmingly good.
I think the successor of the group has a lot to do with everyone's common interest to build a better photography business and the fact everyone is at a different level means the range of topics and help really has been exceptional.
Members will have noticed more and more interview guests have been joining and participating in the discussions which just adds another level of value completely.
Having the Group as part of the Premium Membership has just added a whole new level of value – I love that!
Black Friday Specials for Photographers
It's that time of year when there are specials everywhere – particularly on digital products and photographers are well catered for.
Pre-Black Friday starts today with the business deal of the year from Zach Prez of Photography Spark.
Get the proven SEO Cookbook for Photographers for 50% off, that's only $49 for the comprehensive guide to getting more business from Google.
I've personally read and recommend Zach's book which is full of training and ideas and importantly, is easy to understand and follow.
Get the discount here: photography spark.com
On the page, you'll also see links to the most comprehensive list of Black Friday discounts for photographers – including the 40% off for 12 Month PhotoBizX Memberships.
Do you struggle to write blog posts?
If so, you need to check out Jenika's writing course, Irresistible Words which will help you become SO MUCH better at getting stuff out of your head and onto the page.
Jenika has some very cool ways to write blog posts faster, overcome writers block and get away from those dreadful blog posts that start with… The so and so family are just the cutest ever, we had such an amazing time at their recent shoot, blah, blah, blah.
What I love about Jenika's course is you can use it for more than just blog posts – I've done the course and am now using what I've learnt for all my marketing copy, ads, social media posts – any type of writing I do.
You can find the course here and this weekend, Irresistible Words, which is regularly $249 will be on sale for $199 – save $50.
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Amanda's Guide to the 30 Days of Gorgeous
Sue Bryce – How to Make Real Money From Your Photography Business Right Now
Bernie Griffiths – A Challenge for You to Book More Portrait Photography Sessions
Hamish Symington, Studio Management Software Solutions for Photography Business
WordPress X Theme – as used and recommended by Amanda Schulz
NAS – an alternative option to DROBO
Equipment
Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Thank you!
Thank you again for listening to the show and thanks to Amanda for sharing so much about her business, marketing and approach to success.
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
Thank you so much for the detailed guide and explanation. LOVE this idea and I will tweak it for a campaign I will start in January!! I am so grateful for your generous spirit and passion.
Thank you for your kind words! I hope that your campaign works well. I am so glad that I can help!
Thank you for the guide Amanda! I really enjoyed hearing your interview. I’ve been following Sue Bryce and love what she does, but as Andrew mentioned, I don’t want to feel like I’m copying her, so I really love how you’ve taken the idea of women’s photography and made it your own. I also really love your 30 days of gorgeous campaign. You’ve definitely inspired me. Thanks again!!
I am so glad that I could help! I feel like Sue is an incredible goddess of amazingness; but I also feel like making people feel great isn’t just one person’s responsibility. If I can contribute, in my own way, to making women feel awesome, I am happy to do it! I wish you all the best!
Thats for adding your comments Lorraine and I’m SO happy you picked up on the line of questioning about Sue Bryce – I think too many photographers would be put off or intimidated to try and shoot the same genre as Sue because she is so well known for it.
If that’s your passion, put your spin on it and make it yours too. Just like Amanda has.
Amanda- thank you so much for this podcast! I love what you shared and I am going to try some of your ideas – specifically the 30 Days of Gorgeous marketing plan (I just signed up for the Premium membership so now I have access to the plan you shared — THANK you for being generous and providing that!)
Andrew – I’ve been meaning to go to Premium and this podcast made me get off my tush and sign up, I needed to hear the whole discussion.
Keep up the great work!
Marcy Browe
http://www.marcybrowe.com
Oh, my, goodness! You are going to love being a premium member! My studio manager once accidentally deleted my membership and I might have had a tiny melt down… but probably I didn’t…
Any how, I am so excited that you got some ideas!!! For sure take a peek at the excel spreadsheet. It has my workflow on it. I couldn’t live without Excel!
Woohoo, welcome to the premium membership Marcy! I know you won’t regret the investment in me or yourself.
And thanks again Amanda for being the inspiration you are!
Can I ask you Amanda – what do you do for “down time” Being so super-duper organised, do you schedule in chill out time? Loved your interview and positive approach to your biz. The 30 day shoot sounds so fabulous- especially it’s effect it had on the participants.
I schedule downtime, but to be honest, down time gives me anxiety. I play with photoshop, watch TV ( a lot) and play with my puppy. I make my own planners and calendars to stay organized. 🙂
Hey Andrew,
You asked for feedback on your new Rode Mic. I loved the new mic sound and recording outside was nice!
Sam
Fantastic, thanks Sam! I was worried the background noises would be too distracting but it was fun recording that way. I’ll do a few more that way in the future. Merry Christmas to you. 🙂
I LOVED hearing the birds!! It brought a little piece of summer to our winter time here. 🙂
Haha, thanks Lorraine 🙂
What do you hear when you go outside in winter where you are? No birds?
Another great interview, and good to hear someone from my hometown as well! Amanda, I love the information that you shared and glad to see there is someone else killing it in the local market!
Andrew, there were a couple of times that I wanted to punch my car stereo as I was listening to this… how many times did you refer to Amanda and Edmonton being in the States? We’re in Canada, ya Kiwi! 😉
Ha! We must do coffee. Yes, alas, we are proud Canadians!
Haha… Oops! I can’t remember making those terrible mistakes and don’t think Amanda pulled me up on it but consider it noted.
And that’s a low blow with the Kiwi comment… 😉
good work Amanda, fellow Canadian as well! I love the energy new photographers bring to the business. After 30 years I could use a top up! Keep on trucking.
Thanks, Jerry! Love your work!
Hi Andrew, hope you’re well.
Whilst listening to the end of the show when you were talking about your workflow, I just wanted to ask if your studio was following Kristen Kalp’s sales techniques still or have you gone back to your original approach?
Would be interested to know how that’s gone long term if you’re still using it.
Thanks for all you do
Ross
Hi Ross – I am thanks! Looking forward to Christmas, upcoming holidays and all those good things – how about you?
In regard to my workflow – yes, I’m 100% committed to the Kristen Kalp method and it’s working very well for us. Both Linda and Tenneille have read and follow what Kristen teaches to the letter – scripts and all.
Just this week I’ve sourced a new lab to supply 6″x4″ printed proofs of textured fine art paper for 30c per print! I haven’t actually seen the prints yet but we’ve ordered 4 sets of proofs yesterday for upcoming sales sessions.
We only use Kristen’s method for portrait sales though. For wedding sales (album upgrades) I’m still doing exactly what I talked about in an earlier episode.
If you have questions about either – let me know.
Speak soon
Andrew
Yay I am so happy to see this! Congrats Amanda!
Another thought provoking episode Andrew. Thanks!
Thanks Rollin!
Hi Andrew, Hi Amanda,
Great interview! I really appreciated how Amanda describes how she manages to keep on both of her two hats so impeccably (being a teacher and a photographer). Kudos! Calendars and schedules etc, are really an interesting issue to bring forward.
Amanda, having two hats myself though (computer engineer and photographer) I was wondering how do you manage to juggle, by not relying excessively on work automation tools. I remember that you mentioned Tave, but judging by your description I understood that you do not rely so much on workflow tools, automated responders, etc
Would you please give a bit more info on how you schedule your “two” business lives? Is it just by jotting tasks down on a calendar, or is it something more structured as a system that you would care to share?
Thank you very much for a vibrant and really superb interview.
Andrew, keep this new mic! At your first words (and before you even mentioned it) I said “Wow! He changed the mic. Superb!” 😉 Take care pal!
Best regards from Greece,
Yannis Larios
http://www.yannislarios.com
Hey Yannis – great to read your comments. I’ll message Amanda to make sure she sees your questions.
And glad you noticed and liked the sound of the new Mic! I’ll drag it back out of it’s case for some upcoming episodes.
Hope you’re well and things are looking better for Greece.
Hi Yannis!
I hope this helps! I ended up writing a novel!
At the school I am the Educational Technologist and a Science/Math Teacher. I love my job. My schedule runs as follows: Up at 6:30 am, respond to any emails my manager has marked for me in gmail (we use a lot of google’s features), breakfast, coffee, at school by 8:00am. All of this is pretty routine. I get home from school at 5:00 on most days. Then, a 30 minute work out (p90x). I walk my dog for 30 minutes. At 6-7 pm: dinner. I don’t cook. Usually my husband has made dinner. If not, we get to eat my boring food or order in. From there it depends on the day.
I am a huge believer in managing my clients expectations. I tell them that their photographs are going to take two weeks. It actually only takes me one day to get them done – I show very few and only edit the ones I like. I am really fast when it comes to photoshop. Normally, during the school year I only take on one client per week. I charge accordingly.
Here is an example of what I might do:
Monday: I edit about 30 photographs. At the end, I answer any emails my manager marked for me. (1 hour while watching TV)
Tuesday: I edit the remaining if I didn’t have time. Then try to blog – this part is new for me. I hate blogging. This means writing, posting something Niki wrote, fiddling with the website. (30 minutes – again, TV). Marketing usually occurs on Tuesdays. My emails to vendors have all been pre-writen and sent to a writer for checking. (30 minutes)
Wednesday: Client coffee meeting/consult/ordering appointment day. My favourite. I meet them at one very close to my home. I fulfil the orders immediately and enter it into Tave. Or, I send it to my manager to do so. I use Sunshine Photo Cart for anything online afterward (rather than smugmug or anything like that).
Thursday: Test marking! I have batched my students’ school work and told them all marking occurs on Thursdays. (3 hours)
Friday: Date night.
Saturday: On this day I usually spend an hour or two developing materials and checking dollars. I love talking about and analyzing money. So much fun!
Sunday: Photoshoot day! Because during the summer my makeup artists are busy with weddings on Saturdays. So for consistency, I shoot on Sundays. I cull to 30 on Sunday. I delete right away in camera as well. On Sunday I sit down and plan my week. I use a weekly planner from the Chapters bookstore to do it.
A few keys:
I manage my clients expectations and my own expectations of myself constantly. I have to know what I am capable of and let the rest go.
I am incredibly fast at photoshop. If I wasn’t, I would outsource it.
I do not have an automated email thing because my VA does that work for me. Her job is to get people for coffee with me. 90% of her emails were pre-written by me for any scenario I could think of. I have to be willing to pay for time. Time is my greatest resource. I have built that expense into my prices. With my first client I paid for my VA for several months.
Automated emails (except Andrew’s, of course) drive me absolutely insane, so I don’t do it.
I use Tave and have been trialling Studio Cloud. Studio Cloud seems to be holding up right now. It also texts my clients, which I love.
I know what my time is worth and I charge for it. If it isn’t something I want to do, I say no or pay someone else to do it, so long as that expense can be paid for by a client and not me. I purchase things for my business only if they will increase profit or increase my free time.
I systematized everything. There is a binder full of procedures, business plans etc which people could easily use if I were to fall ill to take over. It was hard work for about 1 month. Now, the business could run itself for the most part.
Google Calendar. Google Docs. Google Everything. My hero.
Incredible answer Amanda and a further insight into who you, how you work and think – you’re student are very lucky to have you as their teacher. They may not realise it now but they will one day.
Is you’re VA based overseas – and how did you find her/him?
Hi! Glad I could help!
My VA/Manager is actually one of the first people I photographed. She loved the idea of ACS Studios so much I hired her. 🙂 It really helps to have someone local to go for coffee if I am sick.
Amanda, well… WOW!
Thank you very much!
You answer proves (to me at least) that success is always 80% business, 20% craft.
Thanks once again.
Amanda — thank you for being so open with this idea … I am launching my own version of 30 Days of Gorgeous today. http://www.marcybrowe.com/gorgeous/
I live in San Diego and I am targeting my network here. I will come back and share the results!!
Question for you: for those women you selected to receive portraits, at which point did you share the pricing for purchasing additional images? Before they met you for the “pick your favorites” session or during this session?
Andrew, thank you for putting together this community and fostering a culture of sharing!!
Hi Marcy!
I include my pricing on every email I send. I also sent a welcome packet after the survey which included prices. I also spoke with them via phone or in person about pricing “just in case you love all of them, you get the three digitals and then they are $100….”
In one of the initial emails there is also a line that says “Of course you can purchase any additional photographs you love!” (Or something along those lines).
I’ll go through my emails when I get home and give you more. 🙂
I love your approach Amanda – nothing hidden, no surprises and everything upfront.
I can’t wait to follow your project by the way!!!
THANK you for this response Amanda! That is very helpful, because I don’t want anyone to feel “duped” or like I am secretly trying to sell to them. The nominations are coming in from so many lovely women, I’m a little nervous to be honest. But I cannot wait to share more.
Follow what Amanda’s doing and you can advertise and shoot without fear of being salesy or duping anyone – it’s a terrific approach to shooting and selling.