Marketing Isn’t the Problem With Your Photography Business

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

Johl Dunn of www.johldunn.com will be familiar if you’ve been listening for a while.

He’s been on the show before… and so have many of his clients.

He’s featured in our predictions episodes and delivered training on pricing, lead generation, and mindset.

But more importantly…

He’s someone who consistently challenges photographers to think differently about what’s really holding their business back.

In this interview, Johl shares why most photographers are solving the wrong problem — and what actually needs to change if you want better results.

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

Why the biggest bottleneck in your business might be you — not your marketing
How your energy, habits, and daily actions shape results more than any strategy
Why great marketing fails when the photographer avoids uncomfortable action
The real reason most photographers quit… just before things start working
Why persistence beats talent when it comes to building a profitable business
How to know if a strategy is broken — or you just haven’t given it enough time
Why curiosity leads to better results than frustration ever will
The risk of relying on a single lead source (and how quickly it can disappear)
How multiple marketing channels create stability and consistent bookings
Why the best photographers master one strategy before chasing the next
A simple third-party approach to generate leads without ads or constant posting
How to handle rejection from local businesses without losing momentum
Why courage comes before confidence — every time
The shift toward personal branding (and why clients are buying you, not just your photos)
Where AI fits… and why human connection still wins the sale

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.

When photographers chase the magic bullet — usually marketing — and ignore themselves and their sales process… it never works. — Johl Dunn

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.

Every no gets you closer to a yes. Treat it that way. — Johl Dunn

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 Johl 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.

The only way forward is through discomfort. — Johl Dunn

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

Marketing is simple: Know your client. Know where they are. Give them a reason to act. — Johl Dunn

IPS Like a MoFo Training – Coming Up Next Week!

If your IPS sessions feel awkward… inconsistent… or you’re hearing “we’ll think about it” more than you’d like…

This is for you!

Because most photographers don’t have a sales problem.

They have an IPS problem.

Richard Grenfell has built a process that delivers $3–4K in average sales with a 97–98% conversion rate.

No pressure.

No discounting.

No “sales tricks.”

Just a better way to run the entire experience.

And the part most photographers miss?

They're losing the sale before the session even begins.

If your work is strong… but your numbers don’t reflect it…

You’ll want to see this.

All the details are here: https://learn.photobizx.com/ips-like-a-mofo-registration/

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.

No one’s thinking about you as much as you think they are. — Johl Dunn

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.

Confidence doesn’t come first. Courage does. Confidence comes after you’ve done it a few times. — Johl Dunn

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.