Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area.
Cole Roberts of Nordica Photography is no stranger to this podcast or podcasting in general – he has his very own interview based Photography Podcast called… “Way Up North” where he interviews speakers from the workshop of the same name.
When I last spoke to Cole and Jacob for episode 55 of the PhotoBizX podcast, they were already doing extremely well. With a background in marketing, entrepreneurship and a strong understanding about how to leverage social media, Nordica hit the ground running and built a following fast.
One thing that stood out about Cole and Jacob from that interview was they were all about strategy. Since then, looking from the outside, their business has continued to flourish and I'm excited to learn what's changed in their business, with their approach to generating success, profits and where to now for Nordica Photography?
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.
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 Cole, get access to an amazing back catalogue of interviews and ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.
I don’t think the answer is doubling prices though. We’re not in a race to get rich – Cole Roberts, Nordica Photography
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.
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything away from what Cole 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.
It’s very difficult to get rich in wedding photography – Cole Roberts, Nordica Photography
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Cole or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.
Way Up North Conference
If you're interested in attending the Way Up North conference in 2017, make sure you register before the early bird prices go up in mid January.
Cole and Jacob have kindly set up a discount code for 10€ off the ticket prices for Way Up North Italy 2017 for PhotoBizX listeners.
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
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 is the latest review for the Photography Xperiment Podcast:
The Best Podcasts
In iTunes by Atlanta portrait photographer Chris Cottrell in the USA on December 2, 2016
I would agree with a previous review the Andrew Hellmich's podcasts are the only ones that make you money.
Andrew is by far my favourite interviewer, he asks great questions and gets answers from his guests that are from the heart, honest and really appreciated by the audience.
These podcasts are like listening in on a conversation, if you don't like hearing gritty, emotional conversations filled with the real ups and downs of life this might not be the right place for you.
Keep up the great work mate!!
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.
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.
The last episode featured Brian Aris who began his photographic career as a photojournalist covering assignments around the world.
He then decided on a complete change in direction and broaden his studio work to include pop and rock stars such as Blondie, The Jam, Madonna, The Clash, The Boomtown Rats, Roxy Music, The Police, David Dewey, The Beatles, The Rolling stone, Sting and actors such as Meryl Streep, Anthony Hopkins and Sophia Loren.
After 3 years, Brian turned away from the model world to concentrate on the music industry. Glamorous weddings followed including the marriage of David Beckham to Victoria in an Irish castle.
Brian went on to photograph Her Majesty The Queen Mother, Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret. And he was commissioned to produce the official portraits, marking Her Majesty the Queen's 70th Birthday. Later, the Golden Wedding Anniversary of her marriage to his Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh.
I like the idea of just going in with a camera and a blank canvas and see what we can turn up on the day – Brian Aris
Check out the interview and learn more about a photographer who has a portfolio most will only ever dream about.
The interview is available here: Brian Aris Interview
The Adore Girls Workshops
I interviewed Boudoir photographer and business owner, Jamie Pfister from the Adore Girls in episode 190 and what she shared in that one hour was an eye opening look at what it takes to build and maintain a successful photography business in such a saturated market.
The techniques and strategies she shared on her marketing, advertising, social media, and “tribe building” were the first time we'd heard things like this in almost 200 interviews.
Now you have the chance to learn a whole lot more from Jamie and her associate photographer, Courtney Bell in Vegas on February 8th 2017.
All the details are here: http://www.theadoregirls.com/workshops
The Adore Girls’ boudoir photography studio, which opened it’s doors in 2012, is the most successful boudoir studio in Nashville, TN – a city that is currently saturated with photographers who also specialise in this genre. 2016 has been The Adore Girls’ most successful year to date and they are on target to gross $400,000 by the end of December.
Topics that will be discussed during this four-hour class include:
- Your Brand – Know who you are, why you shoot boudoir, and what type of experience you want to provide your clients.
- Your Website – The best and most effective ways to design your website, including layout, portfolio image selection, what type of information to provide (and how much), and a call to action for new leads.
- Social Media – How to effectively use Facebook and Instagram to generate and maintain interest in your studio, including the importance of having a private Facebook group for your studio in addition to your public page.
- Initial Contact – The importance of prompt response times and how to speak to your clients on the telephone (even if you hate it).
- Consultations – Why in-person consultations are so important for both you and your client, and what you should say to help persuade them to book.
- The Session – We will walk you through an Adore Girls’ boudoir session from beginning to end, discussing techniques we use to calm our client’s nerves, gain her trust, help her feel comfortable stepping out of her comfort zone, and, most importantly, to make sure she has FUN during her session! We will also discuss the importance of beginning each session with a set of headshots, when you should and should not show images to your client on the back of your camera, and how to help even the most awkward clients pose naturally.
- The Image Debut – How to harness your client’s “afterglow” feeling leading up to their Image Debut, the importance of a short turn-around time, and our tried-and-true most effective sales techniques.
- After the Session – The importance of good, personalised customer service, referral programs, and how to maintain a connection with your clients long after their session is done.
Full details including early bird specials are at: http://www.theadoregirls.com/workshops
Men By Jen – Las Vegas 2017 Workshop
I have an interview scheduled with Jen Swedhin early in 2017 and it'll be the first interview with a photographer specialising in male boudoir photography.
While speaking to Jen about the interview, she let me know about her upcoming workshop and has kindly put together a promo code for PhotoBizX listeners now – incase the episode doesn't go live before the early bird pricing closes.
Use the Promo Code: PhotoBizX to save $50 when you register.
Details and a full itinerary is here: www.jenswedhinphotography.com/workshops
The early bird pricing finishes in 3 weeks time.
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Nordica Photography on Facebook
Nordica Photography on Instagram
Episode 055: Nordica Photography – Creative Marketing Plus Cool Photography Equals Business Success
Fer Juaristi – who supplied the main image/headshot of Cole for this post
Stop Shooting For an Audience – blog post referenced at the start of the show
Thank you!
Thanks again for listening and thanks to Cole for coming on and sharing his thoughts, ideas and vision.
Being aware of who’s out there is more valuable than being aggressive or negative towards who’s out there – Cole Roberts, Nordica Photography
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
Hey Andrew, Cole…… WOW ! just looked at his website and now can’t wait to listen to the Podcast.
Love his website and design
Jon
Yep, some amazing work and beautiful design there!
Hope you enjoy the interview.