Alan was running a successful commercial, wedding and portrait photography business in Tasmania before relocating to Melbourne and having to “start over” but with a different business focus – to spend more time at home with his young daughter, Safron and have a better lifestyle. The wanted change came as a result of working too much and a feeling of stagnation or simply running through the motions, day in, day out.
During the interview, Alan explains the fine art of networking, and how it can help your business to grow. If you've ever been afraid or nervous entering a room of strangers that you'd love to know and be a part of, like at a photography workshop or seminar, Alan lays out some step by step tips to have you working the room with confidence and pizzaz. Ok, maybe not the pizzaz to start but you'll actually be able to do this after hearing Alan's advice.
Add to that, his “super” question to kick things off and you will be fitting right in and making an impression.
Here's some more of what we cover:
Following this episode, I'll be surprised if you're not thinking about your very own exhibition, which cafe you should approach, do you have enough images, who will you invite and how will you price your art.
You may even have your sights set higher, and like Alan, be looking at a CBD for your exhibition and national coverage from the biggest newspaper in the country with a Sunday feature on you and your photography.
In the follow up interview with Alan, if he agrees after some arm twisting, I've made a note to question him about having two separate websites and FB pages. About his Safron and other personal projects, about the success (or failure) of his upcoming Behind The Curtain Exhibition plus a whole lot of other things that will probably come up in the chat including the world famous Photo Biz Xposed 10 quick questions.
If you're on Twitter and like to support the show and easily let Alan know you've been listening, click here to populate a tweet: photobizx.com/Alan
Right Click Here and choose “Save As” to download Alan Moyle Photobat Exhibition Workbook Spreadsheet.
Behind The Curtain
Exactly one week from this episode going live, the official launch of Behind The Curtain is happening at the Arts Centre Melbourne. Everyone is welcome, it's in the Curve Bar so you can grab yourself a drink, listen to some people speak and check out what all Alan's time has been dedicated to.
The Arts Centre Melbourne presents
Behind The Curtain
A photo documentary exhibition by Alan Moyle.
Photographed in the minutes before or just after a performance, this exhibition gives a rare look at where
and how comedians prepare to make you laugh.
Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, Curve Bar
Dates: 26 March – 21 April
Times: 4:00pm till late
Bookings: Free event
What's on Offer for Premium Members
After announcing the big changes for all listeners in the last episode, I'm happy to say the changes have been very well accepted, applauded even.
Remember, to hear the full interview with Alan where we cover in detail, everything you need to know about organising and holding a photography exhibition and why you'd even want to, become a premium member and get the full interview every week.
A teething problem that I did hear about was losing the option to listen to the premium and complete interview in the different pod-catcher apps that you may be using. A simple work around is to copy and paste the premium URL directly onto your app.
This works on most apps but won't unfortunately work with the Apple iTunes app or Stitcher Radio at the time of release. Other podcast listening apps like iCatcher, DownCasts, PocketCasts etc, will all work this way and once playing, you have the full functionality of your app.
A teething problem that I did hear about was losing the option to listen to the premium and complete interview in the different pod-catcher apps that you may be using. A simple work around is to copy and paste the premium URL directly onto your app.
This works on most apps but won't unfortunately work with the Apple iTunes app or Stitcher Radio at the time of release. Other podcast listening apps like iCatcher, Downcast and Pocket Casts, will all work this way and once playing, you have the full functionality of your app.
Here are more details about the recommended apps and where you can find them:
iCatcher – costs $1.99 – click here to check it out in the iTunes store
Downcast – costs $2.99 – click here to check it out in the iTunes store
Pocket Casts – $4.49 – click here to check it out in the iTunes store
If you install and use one of these apps, you'll get all the functionality of the Apple Podcast App plus more features. I know it's a pain to have change but I know you'll love any of these apps if you gee them a go.
I hope to see you as a premium member if you're not already there and if you have any questions before joining, email me; andrew@photobizx.com
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview with Alan, 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 he had to share? 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 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 the guys your thanks, and support for the show at the same time, click the link to create a tweet and automatically and let them know you're listening: https://photobizx.com/Alan
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 and am usually blown away by the comments and reviews.
If you have the time, it's a big help for the show if you leave a rating and review. It's these iTunes reviews that make a big difference to the podcast being ranked well and found in the iTunes store. If you have the time and are happy to leave an honest rating and review, head over to iTunes.
Don't feel your comments have to be long, involved or gushy, an honest opinion is all I ask. Don't be shy about leaving your business name in the review either – that way I can add a link in the show-notes and show my appreciation with a proper thanks and a Google loving back-link to your website.
Get in Touch or Leave a Voicemail Message
If you'd like to get in touch, ask a question or make a suggestion for the show, you can email me andrew@photobizx.com, find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/andrewhellmich or on Facebook at https://photobizx.com/facebook – I'd love to hear from you!
Voicemails
There are two voicemails I'm so happy to share with you in this episode. One from Tibor of Camden Photography centre who lists some of the things he's implemented in his business as a result of the podcast and the changes he's seen in his business.
Also from Brian Chapman of Family Image Photography and The Business of Photography workshops who left a message to make a suggestion for another easy way to access the premium membership content and some thoughts on the podcast so far. I interviewed Brian for the Photo Biz Xposed podcast in episode 21 where he talks about how you can achieve $2500 plus sales fro every family portrait shoot, just like he does.
If you'd like to leave a voicemail for me or to be played on the podcast, simply click on the “leave a voicemail” tab on this page or email me a .mp3 file.
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Alan Moyle Wedding Photography
The Saffron Photo a Day Project
For more information about Alan's Behind The Curtain Exhibition
Download Alan's spreadsheet to help you plan your own photography exhibition – right click here and choose “Save As”
Business Networking International (Australian Division)
Business Networking International (United States Division)
Business Networking International (UK Division)
Blurb – to publish your own book
Sprouting Photographer – a new website and podcast from Bryan Caporicci and Robert Nowell focussing on the business of photography
Brian Chapman's upcoming 1 Day WORKSHOP – How to Sell Nicely but still get great sales figures.
During the interview, Alan mentions 3rd party marketing as being one of his best promotions for booking portraits. If you have a premium membership, I interviewed Israel Smith in episode 4 of the podcast and in the premium area he explains exactly how to put one of these promotions together and just how good they are for his business – from memory, he described 3rd party marketing as a tap that he simply turns on when he needs more work… it's that good!
You can find that premium episode here: https://photobizx.com/premium-content/3rd-party-marketing-to-book-more-portrait-clients/
That's it for me this week, hope everything is going well for you in life and business!
If you've been enjoying the podcast, I'd love for you to tell another photographer about it via Facebook, a Group you're a part of, a photography forum, with a photographer friend or on twitter.
If you do have a twitter account, simply click here: https://photobizx.com/tweet or use the share buttons below.
Thanks and speak soon
Andrew
Thanks again, Andrew. Another great guest, interview, and podcast. Thanks again. – Marc (Light Scout Creative)
Thanks for listening Marc, glad you got some good things from it.
My pleasure Marc!
Great episode,
I really appreciated Alan’s insights into networking. Such simple things we can do like getting there early and making notes on the back of their business cards and even sending a snail-mail letter to follow up. I also liked how he engaged in conversation with others with phrases like, “What do you love about your job”. It is obvious that Alan has thought the network process through very well.
I also enjoyed simply hearing Alan’s voice. It has a soothing quality to it that sort of relaxes you. I’m sure his subjects feel naturally at ease in front of Alan’s camera.
My only hang up with what Alan said was when he stated something to the effect of that he wasn’t too keen on the idea that Photographers only do it for the money. And he added something to the effect of how he would respect someone if they still did photography for the love of the art even if money wasn’t a factor. Or something to that effect, I’m sure I’m paraphrasing a bit. In other words, the person making money with the camera for the shear sake of making money wouldn’t gain Alan’s respect in the same way.
I think I see where he’s coming from. However, I think anyone with a camera who sets out to make money has to have a least a little love in their heart for the art of photography. I think we all dream of being “Artists”. But I’m afraid the reality is that the vast majority of people with cameras in their hands are not full time pros or well known “Artists” and probably never will be. The camera affords some people to make a little extra money here and there and in some cases those Photographers go on to make a name for themselves if not only at the local level. So to say that one’s respect only comes if the Photographer is in it for the love of the craft and not the money just doesn’t feel right to me.
I’ve never met a person who made money using a camera who didn’t love the art in some form or fashion. I’d even venture to say that if the photo jobs stopped coming in that the vast majority of Photographers would still be out there taking pictures…for the fun of it and for the love of the craft. Case in point, I say 99.9% of people with a camera in hand, pro or hobbyist, all share a love for the art and that is the force that should bind us all together.
So whether a person just loves the money they get from a wedding, or if they just love making great art without getting paid, who cares? We’re all Photographers, right? And please spare me the varying definitions of “Photographer”.
I’d like to see what a full time pro, who depends on the money coming in to feed his/her family, would do if the photo jobs completely dried up in their town. Would they be spending their time continuing to make “art” for the love of the craft or would they be out hunting for another way to produce income to support their family?
What I’ve learned fro this podcast and from meeting in person and listening to other pro Photographers like Mark Wallace and Joey Wright is that making money is o.k. We shouldn’t feel guilty about it or let it stand in the way of how we feel about other Photographers.
Anyway, enough of my ranting.
I really did enjoy this interview. It will be one that I will be listening to again. I liked hearing how Alan embraced his nickname and now uses it to his advantage like how people remember him over others simply because of his name.
Well done, Alan!
And thanks Andrew for putting this interview together.
We appreciate it.
Joey Joiner
Fort Worth Photographer
Hey Joey, thanks for your comment and for liking my soothing voice!
I see where you are coming from and to clarify, i’ve never met a photographer who says they do it for the money. I know it’s highly important and I totally need money! In my mind I wsa thinking of business networking event’s ive been to where I could tell the person I was meeting was totally disinterested in talking about anything/one but themselves and how they don’t care for their clients, just their $. From knowing people like this I know it tends to lead to not so good business practices and lacks the gratitude that should be shown to someone who is willing to pay you for your services.
I believe if you look after your clients they will keep you in work, I’ve just returned from Tasmania where I shot a family for the 7th time in 6 years, another the 4th time in 11 years and another the 3rd time in 5 years. They all aren’t the most financially flush families but they are clients/friends for life now and via the photos on their walls have more clients directly from that.
Thanks again!
Woah, that’s some comment Joey 🙂
Interesting to read your thoughts and good to see Alan’s reply.
Hi Alan,
Thanks for sharing your stories on Photobizx!
You mentioned about sending out cards to clients and keeping a good relationship going. It is something I want to improve with our business, because we have 15 years worth of happy customers and many of them becoming repeat customers.
I had a look at sendoutcards.com which is a great idea, but I found the user interface for designing cards not too pleasant to use.
It seemed the best option was to design something in photoshop and then paste the full card image into their software.
But I was hoping to do more personalised messages for each one, including photos throughout the text, but it seemed a bit tricky in their software.
Ive then looked at printing the cards in house, but havent found a good stock for printing cards. You mentioned briefly about printing cards yourself and wondered if you had any suggestions on this.
I wanted full colour images on the card outside and also text and images inside the card (ie double sided printing)
Photographing comedians would have been fun.. Historically, if the act wasnt any good, you threw tomatos at them…. you got a little more serious and just shot them!
Hi Brian,
Thanks for your kind words, gald you liked the stories!
yes, Send Out Cards is a bit clunky but i haven’t come across anything else that is as good with the pre planning sending of cards. I cant’ rely on myself to get the cards in the letter box but by spending a little time pre planning certain cards (ie key client birthdays, anniversaries etc) it works with out you thinking about it.
As for printing your own cards you can try places like nulab and also moo.com do them but you will have to get batches of the same card then personalize them yourself. That’s another key advantage of send out cards, personalizing with one of your clients images with out having to print a heap of them.
Let me know how you go!