PBX573: Chris Gillett – How to build and run a successful long term headshot photography business

Chris Gillett of  www.liketherazor.com was first featured on the podcast for episode 158 in 2016, when he'd just gone full-time with his headshot photography business.

Before going full-time, he was a successful Lawyer, and at the time of recording, he sounded happy to have left that career behind.

At the time, he had three packages, starting at $300.

Check out his website today, and you will see the following…

• 3000+ happy clients
• 10 years experience
• 0% bullshit
• 100% client satisfaction

Not to mention the high-end, beautifully lit and varied headshots.

Interestingly, his pricing is lower today… and, you get more time allocated for your headshot photography sessions.

I asked this talented photographer and long-term business operator back onto the podcast… to hear an honest update on how things have played out over the last 10 years in business. The ups and downs, the wins and losses and most of all, the lessons he's learned to help you stick at it and grow your business successfully and, ideally, by avoiding a few mistakes along the way.

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

• Fulfilment Over Regret: Chris leaves law for a rewarding photography career
• Find Your True Calling by discovering how photography became more fulfilling than law for Chris
• Invest in Growth by learning from a decade of ups and downs
• Navigate Industry Changes by adapting to AI impacts in headshot photography
• Achieve a Six-Figure Income by thriving in headshot photography despite AI threats
• Be Prepared for Change, with Chris ready to pivot if AI takes over
• Authenticity Over Automation shows the limits of AI in capturing genuine family portraits
• Remember that Human Touch Matters, with real connections being vital in fitness photography
• Simplifying Pricing with Chris' approach to clear, straightforward pricing
• Easy Booking through simplified pricing for ease and clarity
• Increased Demand by raising prices to match high demand and success
• Raise Prices with Confidence through Chris' busy schedule, leading to higher pricing
• Continuous Improvement with yearly enhancement of photography skills and sales techniques
• High Standards by delivering top-notch images for repeat clients
• Boosting Sales with effective headshot pricing strategies
• Strategic Offers through limited-time deals increasing headshot purchases
• Embrace Client Feedback with open communication for successful shoots
• Client Collaboration by working together for better outcomes
• Harness the Word-of-Mouth Power through Chris' marketing success via client recommendations
• Instagram Wins by leveraging personal and professional content for business growth
• Authentic Engagement through connecting with clients via a genuine social media presence
• Enjoy Fun and Relaxed Shoots by creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for clients
• Offer Unique Services to stand out by tailoring services to client needs
• Optimise Online Presence with a contemporary website, enhancing Chris' professional image
• High Praise through consistent quality, earning a stellar reputation
• Thoughtful Gestures with acts of kindness like discounts and free headshots
• Mentorship's Role in growth through learning from industry experts like Peter Hurley
• Embrace Critique through self-acceptance and critical thinking as keys to growth

What is your big takeaway?

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Chris 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, let me know by leaving your thoughts in the member's FB Group. What are your takeaways? What do you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode?

I think anybody who's in this business full-time will know this already, but like, you've got to be open to the negative criticism, because that's where you learn the stuff. – Chris Gillett

If you have any questions I missed or a specific question you’d like to ask Chris or if you want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to comment inside the Members FB Group, too.