Mimika Cooney; photography book author, wife, mum, marketing expert, business trainer, photographer and has had to start her business twice… on different sides of the world. In this interview, we cover a lot of ground but the big takeaway for me was you can achieve portrait photography success through business relationships.

Mimika started her original, primarily wedding photography business in the UK before moving to the USA because of her husbands work. Although a daunting thought, it was also the chance to put all the lessons she learnt the first time round behind her and start afresh with a clean slate. She started her marketing right away, SEO, research, social media marketing and began to build new relationships, all before leaving the UK.

One big lesson that surprised Mimika was that her awards meant absolutely nothing to her prospective new clients. It turns out the very best thing she did was build relationships with the right people – and that's exactly what we go deep into throughout this episode of the photography business podcast.

Here's some of what we cover:

  • how to stay productive with so much happening and so many distractions
  • multi tasking is not an effective way to work
  • making the leap from part time to full time photography
  • why NOT competing on price is so important for business success
  • relocating and starting over with a photography business
  • research and know your market before moving there
  • photography awards and why they make no difference to your bookings
  • how relationships lead to bookings
  • making the change from portraits to weddings and why it was a good business (and family) decision
  • having related vendors promote you and your work
  • wasted money on bad advertising
  • using video to promote your personality and photography style
  • standing out in your market place and why it's so important
  • rebranding and how it can affect your photography business
When the question of embarrassing moments came up in the 10 quick questions segment, I was surprised to hear another “pink knickers” story and more surprised to hear about Mimika's hair being caught on fire at a wedding shoot!  I trust you'll enjoy this interview, pick up a bunch of useful business advice and have a few laughs with Mimika too – make sure you check out the freebies on her website too.

Mimika Photogrpahy Podcast Interview

What is your big takeaway?

Following the interview, I'd love to know what your biggest takeaway was – what is the one thing that you'd like to implement or remember from what Mimika had to share? Let me and other listeners know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.

What have you implemented so far?

Last week I asked you to leave me a voicemail message letting me know one thing you've implemented in your business as a result of the podcast. Although it was lovely to receive a message, it was more of a “hello” from an anonymous caller.

What I'd REALLY love to know though, is what have you actually implemented since becoming a listener to the podcast? If you have it in you, use the voicemail tab to the right of the page and let me know. If you're happy to, I'll share your recording on a future episode of the podcast.

Mimika Photogrpahy Podcast Interview

iTunes ratings, reviews and Shout-Outs

Five fantastic ratings and reviews were left for the show this week and I am truly grateful for every single one. The reviews make a big difference in helping other wedding and portrait photographers find the podcast in the iTunes store. A big THANKS to every one of you fantastically awesome people!

portrait photography podcast reviews

If you have the time and are happy to leave an honest rating and review, head over to iTunes.

Also, a few shout-outs to photographers/listeners that have made contact via email or social media this week:

Jerome from http://jeromecole.com.au

Lisa from https://www.facebook.com/LisaEasterPhotography

Sash from http://desiren.com.au

Alyssa from  www.liveloveluxe.com.au

Albertine of http://www.artofalbertine.com

Andy from http://www.kissandtellphotography.com.au

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.

Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:

Mimika Cooney's website – http://www.mimikacooney.com

Mimika on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mimika.cooney Mimika Photogrpahy Podcast Interview

Mimika's Facebook Fan Page – https://www.facebook.com/MimikaCooneyfans

Mimika's Freebies – http://www.mimikacooney.com/freebies

Mimika's Book – Boutique Baby Photography: The Digital Photographer's Guide to Success in Maternity and Baby Portraiture

Queensberry Wedding Albums – http://www.queensberry.com

Anne Geddes Baby Photographer – http://www.annegeddes.com

Sarah Petty Photography – http://www.sarahpetty.com

Ben Marden Episode – https://photobizx.com/ben-marden-wedding-photographer/

Matt and Katie Episode – https://photobizx.com/MattAndKatie

That's it for me this week, hope everything is going well for you. I'd love for you to leave a comment below to let me know what you took away from this interview.

Speak soon

Andrew