676: Joanna Kilgore – How to Build a Photography Business Anywhere

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Joanna Kilgore of www.joannaleekilgore.com is a portrait photographer who’s done something most photographers would find terrifying…

She’s rebuilt her business from scratch in completely new locations, more than once, and become known fast.

Instead of relying on years of local history, an established client base, or a big advertising budget, Joanna has learned how to embed herself into a new community, build trust quickly, and position herself as the go-to photographer in her area.

She’s also not afraid to think bigger than the average portrait photographer.

From luxury portrait experiences to destination sessions in French castles, Joanna has a knack for combining creativity, bold ideas and commercial thinking in a way that actually works.

Add to that the fact she’s navigating business, family, creativity and big future plans while living with ADHD.

Currently based in Florida, Joanna Kilgore of Jolee Art & Photography shares how she builds momentum in a new market, uses networking to create opportunities, turns big ideas into booked experiences, and continues to grow a photography business that can move with her.

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

• Why Joanna believes you can rebuild a successful photography business almost anywhere — even without an existing client base
• How Joanna became known fast after moving to new towns and starting again from scratch
• Why organic Facebook posts worked in one market but completely failed in another
• How networking became Joanna’s fastest path to trust, referrals and paid photography clients
• Why everyday conversations in shops, cafés and local businesses can lead to unexpected bookings
• How Joanna adapts her marketing and sales approach to suit the culture of each new location
• Why showing the work you want to sell helps attract the clients and sessions you want more of
• How Joanna uses luxury portraits, destination shoots and big creative ideas to stand out in a crowded market
• Why she booked a French castle before every room was sold — and how she turned the idea into a paid experience
• How Joanna balances digital files, prints and products without forcing every client through the same sales process
• Why customising sessions around the client’s vision can reduce anxiety and increase satisfaction
• How Joanna uses speed, service and flexibility as part of her photography business advantage
• Why being open about your values can attract the right clients without turning it into a sales tactic
• How Joanna manages ADHD while running a business, raising a family and constantly launching new ideas
• Why photographers with ADHD can turn curiosity, creativity and big-picture thinking into a competitive advantage
• How calculated risks, community connection, and constant reinvention continue to shape Joanna’s business growth

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.

You don’t always get to choose where you’re planted, but you can still bloom and blossom there. – Joanna Kilgore

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.

I don’t say, “I can’t do that.” I say yes, then I figure out a way to make it happen. – Joanna Kilgore

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, hold you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers who share your goals—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 Joanna 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 today's episode.

Once you know how to talk to people you don’t know, make friends and explain who you are in a way that makes them want to know more, you can do it anywhere. – Joanna Kilgore

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

You are capable of anything you think you are. – Joanna Kilgore

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.

I have dreams, ambitions and targets, but I don’t want to cap what’s possible. I stay adaptable and pivot when I need to. – Joanna Kilgore

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.

If you’re willing to talk to people and show genuine interest, clients can come from anywhere — even a thrift store. – Joanna Kilgore

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 is the latest review…

★★★★★ One word – brilliant!

Via Google Reviews by Canberra pet photographer, Alistair Nitz on July 2nd, 2026 from Australia.

I have been a listener to both the free podcast and the premium service for over three years.

One word – brilliant.

As a relatively new photography business owner, I am always on the lookout for new strategies and business ideas. This makes the weekly episodes of PhotobizX the activity that tracks highly on my must-do tasks for the week.

It explores topics across all photography genres and consistently delivers practical business ideas, actionable suggestions, and solutions to help you grow your business. Andrew is an incredibly personable host who has a knack for asking those inquisitive questions that all photographers actually want to know.

If you subscribe to just one photography business podcast, make it PhotobizX.