615: Blair deLaubenfels – Booking Luxury Photography Clients Starts with the Right Images—and Words

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

Blair deLaubenfels of www.worldsbestweddingphotos.com and www.artlifeandbusiness.com  was first interviewed for Episode 378 of the podcast, where she detailed the best ways to curate your portfolio to better market and promote yourself and your business.

She believes curation is the one big thing that can bring you bookings, recognition, and profitability with your photography.

Blair is the former co-owner of Junebug Weddings. The founder and editor-in-chief of World's Best Wedding Photos.

She’s written over 2,000 bios, created content for hundreds of websites, and is a regular speaker at top industry events.

In a recent email exchange, she wrote:

Since we last recorded in 2020, the wedding photography industry has been through many changes. There are new technologies and trends, and new challenges in terms of marketing.

I would love to talk with you about what has emerged in the last five years and how your listeners can boost their businesses now.

I was keen to hear more, expecting you'd feel the same, so I'm rapt to bring this interview to you.

In this interview, Blair shares how to book luxury photography clients and why it starts with the right images—and words.

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

• Why your portfolio is your biggest marketing asset—and how to curate it with purpose
• The massive industry shifts since 2020 that most photographers are still ignoring
• How the elopement market has exploded—and why it’s a perfect fit for many creatives
• The real key to attracting luxury clients (hint: it’s not just your images)
• How to use your portfolio to speak directly to your dream clients
• Why your words matter just as much as your photos when it comes to booking
• The science behind first impressions—and how to win someone’s attention in seconds
• How to define and connect with your ideal client more effectively
• Why chasing trends can water down your work—and what to do instead
• The power of consistent branding across your website, socials, and messaging
• Why local referrals are still gold, especially for long-term sustainability
• What AI can do for you—and what it never will
• A smarter way to experiment with trends without losing your identity
• How diversifying your work can stabilise your income all year round
• When to invest in prestige marketing—and when it’s just ego spend

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

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, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

There's been a real explosion of elopement photography around the world that became huge during COVID and remains huge. – Blair deLaubenfels

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. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

Build your business around who you authentically are, because if you don't, you're going to end up getting burned out, and you're not going to like your own work. – Blair deLaubenfels

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to 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 motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography business.

What is your big takeaway?

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Blair 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.

If you can get back to the people in 15 minutes, you're going to be the first person to get hired. – Blair deLaubenfels

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Blair, or a way to thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

🔥 How to Sell Like a Mofo – New Live Training for Photographers 🔥

If you’ve ever said “I hate selling”… this one’s for you.

No sleazy tactics. No pushy scripts.
Just a real-world sales process that works — taught by a working photographer who's doing this every day.

(Yep, the same legend behind “Advertise Like a Mofo” – Richard Grenfell is back.)

This live 2-part training is made for photographers who want to:

• Feel confident on sales calls (even if you hate the phone)

• Sell more, without sounding salesy

• Set up your shoot to sell more images before you even pick up the camera

• Handle objections, talk pricing, and walk clients through the sale with ease

🗓 Session 1: Thursday May 15 @ 8am AEST
🗓 Session 2: Thursday May 22 @ 8am AEST
🎥 Replays available if you can’t make it live
💵 Just USD$397 (price doubles after the live calls)
🎁 Register early and get “Advertise Like a Mofo” FREE (normally USD$197) or another awesome Masterclass.

👉 Head here for all the details and to grab your spot: https://learn.photobizx.com/sell-like-a-mofo/

If you’re a working photographer and want to sell more without selling your soul — this training is for you.

iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

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

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

At the luxury level, the thing about luxury is, what makes it luxury, other than just the quality, is that other people can't have it. – Blair deLaubenfels

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 or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. 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. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.

The first photo they see, they're going to see it in much less than one second, and about 30% of people will decide whether to hire you right then. – Blair deLaubenfels

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 impacted you and your photography business.​

Here are the latest reviews…

★★★★★ This podcast is a goldmine for photographers!

Via Google Reviews by Sydney Opera House Photoshoot expert, Sarah Gardan of Sarah Iris Photography, in Australia on May 2nd, 2025.

Andrew is absolutely amazing – his podcast is a goldmine for photographers at any stage of their business journey.

Every episode of Photo Biz Xposed is full of real, actionable advice, insightful interviews, and down-to-earth encouragement.

What sets Andrew apart is not just his deep industry knowledge, but the care he takes in showing up for his listeners week after week. He’s also sounds like a really great human being – kind, generous, and genuinely invested in helping photographers succeed.

Listening has helped me improve my marketing, refine my client experience and stay motivated. A must-listen for any photographer building a business they love!

★★★★★ All the questions you would want to ask

Via Google Reviews by Hunter Valley and Tamworth Wedding and Family Photographer, Eloise Moir, in Australia on May 3rd, 2025.

This podcast is full of relevant, super useful information with a range of guests specialising in all kinds of photography.

Andrew does an incredible job and asks all the questions you would want to, plus more I wouldn’t have thought of.

Recommend it to anyone interested in photography.

★★★★★ Totally 5 stars – if I could give more, there would be plenty more!

Via Google Reviews by Newcastle Commercial Photographer Linda Beks of  ME Photography in Australia on May 2nd, 2025.

Thanks, Andrew. I have so enjoyed your podcasts and your friendly voice—it’s as if I have known you for years and years. You honestly get me through the most boring drives, as I always get to listen to your podcasts.

I have just been to the Philippines and every spare moment I listened to your interviews that I didn’t have the time for prior. I feel like I've taken you on an adventure too haha.

Even today, the day after arriving home, a 5-hour drive to Sydney for a day of headshots, you killed my time, totally loving it big time, and although being a professional photographer for over 20 years, I'm always learning something!

I also feel connected to the amazing photographers in your Facebook group; they and you are the best!

Again, big big thanks. Linda