While some photojournalistic photographers are preaching the benefits and time saving methods of booking wedding or portrait session and not knowing too much about their clients or having spent time getting to know them, Joshua sits firmly and comfortably on the other side of the fence. He doesn't draw the line at getting to know his client through meetings and consultations, he's meeting them for dinner… and often in their home. The benefits to his business with the relationships he's building with his clients are indisputable.
Joshua first appeared on my radar via a Facebook post that was getting a lot of attention. A family portrait shoot of “The Hendersons”… a beautiful collection of images that told the story of a lovely family. Interestingly, he's better known for and generating more income with his wedding photography but that may be about to change.
Here’s some more 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:
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.
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Josh or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them below.
If you’d like an easy way to show Josh your thanks, and support for the show at the same time, click the link to create a tweet and automatically show you’re listening: https://photobizx.com/tweet
The Resources Page
Remember the ever expanding resources page that has a listing of products, programs, hardware, books and directories mentioned in each episode of the show. If you’re looking for something that a guest has mentioned on a previous episode but just can’t remember who or what it was – you’ll find it listed in order on the resources page.
iTunes ratings, reviews and Shout-Outs
Each week before recording the podcast I check iTunes for any reviews and each week I’m excited to see what you’ve had to say about the podcast. If you have the time and are happy to leave an honest rating and review, head over to iTunes.
It's these reviews that help other photographers discover the photography podcast and more listeners equals better quality guests on the show each week.
Do You Have a Question about Your Business or Marketing?
Yes, there's still time to have your questions answered.
I’m planning a Q&A episode over the Christmas and New Year period and would love your questions! Feel free to email me or use the voicemail option on this page. You can be as detailed and specific to your business or circumstances as you like. And, you can remain anonymous if you refer.
Alternatively, if you’d like to get in touch, ask a question about or make a suggestion for the show, you can email me [email protected], find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/andrewhellmich or on Facebook at https://photobizx.com/facebook – I’d love to hear from you!
JPEG Mini App and Discount Code
If you're looking for a great way to make your JPG files smaller in size but still retain their quality, I recently stumbled across and app that will do just that: JPEGmini
I'm not entirely sure how it works but it's fantastic. I originally set up the app to save copies of the smaller jpg's because I was concerned that the size reduction must leave a look of quality reduction. I just can't see a difference and have since set up the app to save over the top of my originals. The dimensions of the files are not altered, just the amount of space they are taking up is reduced.
I've been using the app to reduce the size of my website and blog images for faster loading and am now using it to reduce the size of files I supply to my clients.
I do have a discount available for listeners but it will only be active till Thursday 4th December 2014 and will drop the price from $149 to $119.
Use the code – PBZ4CA186AB – at checkout to save $30.00.
Download and trial it free if you're unsure.
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
The Henderson's family portrait shoot
Twice the Love – the Black and White engagement shoot discussed on the show
Glen Edwards – film photographer
James Day episode on PhotoBizX
Thank you!
Thank you again for listening to the show and thanks to Josh for being an awesome guest!
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
Been a listener for quite a while. I really enjoyed this interview ’cause I related to Joshua’s story and approach. Found it pretty uncanny how similar. I really appreciate your podcast Andrew! Thank you for all the interviews you put out! I always find something to implement into my business and work.
Hey Anthony – love that you’ve been listening for a while and even better to see you commenting.
Just checked out your website – looks great and love your work but that Gif on your about page is bloody fantastic. Put a big smile on my face . 🙂
I can see the similarities in your approach to clients and why Josh’s approach resonated with you.
Thanks Anthony I too had a quick look through your website and it’s clear we think similarly on a lot of levels. keep telling beautiful stories mate
Thanks Joshua! I appreciate it. You too! Keep it up man!
A quick note to say hi and thank you, also let you know I’ve downloaded the file and will be listening to it a number of times on a road trip tomorrow
cheers
Hope the interview made your trip that title bit sweeter Orlando.
Wow, it didn’t even occur to me to do a family session like that. My most clever idea was to take photos as the family is cutting their tree at the Christmas tree farm. But it would be so much cooler to have them getting up and making breakfast and getting their boots and coats on before going out! (you can tell I’m in the northern hemisphere). I have never enjoyed family photos, but I would love to do something like that (both photographing and being photographed)
Love that this episode may have opened a door wide open for your approach to portraits Chris – great to read!
Thats really where that shoot came from mate, I’ve always thought family photos were boring and all the same even though every family is different. I just wanted to tell their story the same way I do with everything I shoot. I’m really glad it was encouraging for you.
So refreshing to hear Josh’s approach to client relationships. Can’t underestimate the value of doing a killer job and being the sort of person people would love to invite back into their lives. I’d love to have his sort of word-of-mouth business and I’ll be putting a lot more thought into relationship building from now on. Love the Henderson’s shoot. It’s something I’ve wanted to do but had never seen done before in that way.
Awesome work Josh, and thanks for reminding me that it’s not all about SEO and all that jazz.
Thanks Andrew for putting together such a useful podcast series. Each time I listen I pick up new gems and it’s great to be able to pick and choose from the advice of successful photographers.
Hey Ellie, very cool to read your comments and love that you enjoyed this interview.
I agree, it’s nice to hear that there’s more to business and being successful than all the technical stuff.
I’m glad you felt refreshed Ellie. I think it’s always worth remembering that as much as SEO and advertising can be really helpful that there’s no substitute for doing a really good job and making your clients rave about you.
Ive been using JPEG mini for months. Great investment!! After running the pictures from my website threw JPEGmini it now loads 11% faster! Every little bit helps.
11% is pretty good! I’m still amazed at the size difference this little app makes to my files with no apparent difference in looks.
I recently discovered Andrew’s Xposed site and I am thoroughly enjoying the journey through the interviews. I am slowly building the courage to change from “appeal to everyone, don’t turn away anyone” to “find clients who appreciate what resonates with me.” Frankly, I am quite envious of the way Joshua found his path so quickly — a lovely, honest approach that speaks to his interests and that has attracted like-minded clients. Beautiful.
Unless I missed it, I understand Joshua doesn’t use a 2nd photographer. Can Joshua elaborate as to how he handles the “do you have 2 photographers” question from potential clients (to counter the 2 is better than 1, more photos is better than less photos). Also, has the frequency of the question changed as he moved from the inexpensive, stretch Hummer days to where he is now?
Cheers,
Ernst
Hey Ernst, welcome to the podcast and love that you’re exploring the back catalogue!
I think Joshua’s interview is perfect if you’re looking to narrow down your focus of appeal to find your perfect clients. A couple other interviews to check out are Nikki McArthur of Epic Danger Photography, andy of the Kristen Kalp interviews, Ian Weldon, Anna Pummer and more. Let me know if you need any other recommendations to help.
I’ll message Joshua about tour questions to see if he can answer them.
In the meantime… I almost always shoot alone and find it easy to sell myself as a single shooter by explaining to the clients that if they hire me, it’s my photography they’ll be getting, my vision and the way I see things. I’ll be the one there for every part of the day and I find it easier to and more effective to work alone.
I think you’ll find when couples ask this question, all they want is an answer and if you have something you believe in, they’ll be happy. They’re already talking to you because they like what they see and they’re interested in booking. Let’s try and get Joshua’s take though.
Hey Ernst.
I’ve never really found it a difficult sell. But it’s always about pushing the benefits to the client.. I tell them that the way I shoot is very intimate and that the more strangers in the room or field or wherever we are lurking about. The harder it will. Be to capture genuine candid moments. Also.. I just show them a portfolio full wedding and say.. Do you fell like I missed anything? The answer is never yes. As long as they feel confident you can do an amazing job without a second shooter.. They will be stoked to save the money they would have paid another company for one and even potentially see the other company as a less professional option.
Thanks Josh! Love your thoughts and approach on this.