The way Paul chooses to run his business is not for everyone. It runs against most of the advice, tips and strategies you've heard on the podcast to date, that's the beauty of this conversation. It's a realisation that you don't have to place boundaries on the way you build your income from photography – there are no rules. If you really want to do something and still have photography as a means to an income to fund the lifestyle you want… make it happen!
Paul Hoelen who was born in New Zealand to Dutch and American parents – somehow he ended up with four passports and has done a great job of putting them all to good use. He now bases himself in Tasmania, Australia. He's won a ton of awards for his photography both nationally and internationally and is a regular judge at industry award events.
I do what I love and I love what I do
His photography has been exhibited alongside great photographers including Annie Liebowitz, Helmut Newton and Man Ray. Some of his recent projects include: workshops in remote desert areas, a ‘steam punk’ themed wedding in Northern California, band photography on the rooftops of New York and head photographer for New Zealand’s largest music festival Rhythm & Vines.
He is about to leave the country for 4 months on another photographic trip of a lifetime. Lucky, well planned or smart business? You be the judge.
Here’s some more of what we cover:
There’s no denying that Paul's way of doing business is not for everyone. There's also no denying that he will look back someday and smile at the incredible life he's lived. The question for you… are you living the life you want to be living? Just because you want to make photography a part of your life, doesn't mean you have to be anchored down and follow the same path that's expected or taught by others.
Paul is proof that no matter what genre of photography excites you, no matter where you want to live, travel or settle, there is nothing stopping you from creating a life around what you love to do. It will be a challenge but that'll be the case no matter the path you choose. The big message from this interview: live the life you want to be living.
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 Paul 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 Paul 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.
Voicemail and Shout-Out
A big thanks to wedding photographer Ahmad Elfarram of Knight Images Photography in Newmarket Ontario Canada.
Ahmad, a premium member of PhotoBizX has been busily implementing a stack of strategies and ideas he's leant from the interviews and shares his top three: SEO, blog super posts and outsourcing in a voicemail message.
Do You Have a Question about Your Business or Marketing?
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!
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Photo Tip of the Week: Take Great Shots at Festivals and Concerts
Yoast SEO Book for Non-Wordpress websites
GimmeThatIt – website and branding for my business in 2015
Black Friday Deals for Photographers curated by Zack Prez of Photography Spark
Equipment
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard Lens
Thank you!
Thank you again for listening to the show and thanks to Paul 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
HI Andrew
That was EPIC. Loved your interview with Paul so much. What an extraordinary man. His honesty and openness about his work and life was stunning to listen to. My biggest takeaway is its about time for me to enter comps. Iv always been to chicken and never thought I was good enough. The excitement in his voice was totally inspiring. I can do it !
Paul is a total legend !
Awesome to read your comments Kate! I agree, Paul is a unique character and “extraordinary” is a perfect description.
You definitely have to enter awards, you’ll gain more than you know! Have a listen to the APPA interviews if you get a chance – they were recorded at the awards this year.
Thank you I really enjoyed this interview. I could see a little bit of myself who is setting up my business between NZ and France and who has a quite broad range of services.
I have found really interesting how Paul is doing projects with photographers he admires : this could definitely be a great takeaway.
Thanks Anais, glad you enjoyed the episode. I loved the way Paul occasionally partners with other photographers – gutsy and smart. What a great way to get better!
Hi Andrew!
You have mentioned a few times that there may be less business in this episode than some. I feel a bit the opposite. Paul’s model teaches us that there are various avenues of income to explore. It is not always “session fee, order fee, done.” We learned that sacrifices must be made to gain the things we want (in his case, living space in exchange for gear). Paul also reminded us that we are dealing with humans. Our clients and vendors are all people. Sometimes, we can ask for help or reach out and speak to each other and good things come from it. I think he did a great job illustrating the importance of people, risk and opportunity. Maybe it isn’t my model, but it is a model. I thought this episode was full of ideas!
Hey Amanda, SO GOOd to read your comments!
What beautiful takeaways from an interview I was worried might be ‘light on’ in the business department.
My concerns were that my excitement, enthusiasm and delight in the way Paul runs his business and life were too strong an influence and I was having him on the show for my own selfish reasons. Your comments alone, totally absolve me of those feelings. Thank you. 🙂
I loved this interview Andrew. Paul’s approach is very refreshing. The one comment Paul made that really hit home for me was when he spoke of his experience living in the United States and how it wasn’t for him.
There’s definitely a stigma around photographers that aren’t just specialized in one “kind” of photography. I experienced this while freelancing for several studios in New York and you eventually pigeonhole your creativity because you’re only expected/hire to shoot one thing. In my case it was Mitzvah’s.
The other “take away” from this episode was Paul’s openness to working with other around him. It’s a beautiful. Thanks for another great episode Andrew. I also really appreciate you sharing my voicemail this episode.
Thanks Ahmad – interesting to read you’ve had the same experience in regard to photographers in the US.
My pleasure in regard to your VM – it was great hearing from you and sharing your thoughts and what you’ve been doing with other listeners.
Hi, Andrew
This episode, paul really inspired me a lot. As a wedding photographer over the 4 years is more like chasing after the $$ and figure. And, almost forgotten about my personal lifestyle.
Cheers and keep it up
Great takeaway and good to read your comments Shangwan, thanks.
Hey Paul and Andrew,
Great interview (as always), and it was great to hear someone that just goes and does what they want, how they want it, and still finds a way to pay for it all!
Have fun in the Grand Canyon and I look forward to the pictures when you’re back! I love how you mentioned Zion as well. I rode through the area on my Harley this summer, but it was way too hot to stop so I just passed by… I’m definitely looking forward to heading down there sometime in the winter to check it all out and hopefully not die of heat exhaustion!
Chris
Thanks Chris – really good to read your comments.
I’ve passed through Zion myself once and would love to have more time there. Amazing areas!
I just finished listening to the part of this episode where Paul is crawling up a rock face with one arm and one leg. CRAZY! I think I would love to follow this guy around.
I like the fact that Paul has a strong sense of self and the things that he values. They aren’t money, houses and cars, but experiences.
A great listen. Thanks Paul and Andrew.
Nick
There’s no denying Paul is different to every other guest I’ve had on the show and what an adventurous life he’s living as a result of his differences! Definite lessons to be learnt.
In saying that… There’s no way I’d have gone after the camera the way he did!
Have you read “A Beautiful Anarchy” by David duChemin? If Paul’s outlook and values struck a chord with you, I think you’ll love this book.
25 day trip down the rapids in the Grand Canyon! Love the way Paul is living life! I just keep wondering…how does he protect his camera gear when he’s going through sometimes Grade 10 Rapids? What if they flipped as I have once done while white water rafting?
Hey Amanda – I’ve just let Paul know about your question, I’m sure he’ll be back to answer shortly 🙂
Hey Amanda – just heard from Paul:
Andrew,
I just got back a few days ago after being on the road since our interview!
The trip down the Grand Canyon was the most incredible journey of my life. Hands down!
I’m out remotely scouting for my 9 day photography workshop and back Friday, so I’ll give this the attention it deserves when I get back!
Talk soon!
Paul