This episode features talented photographer, gifted educator and returning guest Brett Florens who is now operating his photography business between two continents. It's difficult to define the content of the interview in a single sentence, so much is covered. I think you'll find, the common theme is it's time to step it up in your photography business.
Take one look at Brett's new website and branding and there's no mistaking this is a guy who walks his talk. There's absolutely no mistaking who his target market is and you'll love how he came to use the colours, layout and design he has for this new chapter in his business.
Every single thing has been meticulously thought out, planned and only used if it fits his brief. Brett has never been more successful and this candid chat is a real eye opener.
Here’s some of what we cover:
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:
If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interview with James Day, get access to an amazing back catalogue of interviews and ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.
Being a teacher adds legitimacy to my brand for my clients – Brett Florens
Plus, access to a members only Facebook group where you'll connect with other members (and interview guests) to help, support and motivate you to take what you hear in each episode and put it into action. You will not find cooler, more motivated and caring photographers online.
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.
You can't tell somebody what you don't want. You have to tell somebody what you do want – Brett Florens
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Brett or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them below.
iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs
Each week I check for any new iTunes reviews and it's always a buzz to receive these… for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they really are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!
You are attracting clients through your branding – Brett Florens
Secondly, iTunes is the biggest search engine when it comes to podcasts and it's your reviews and ratings that help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners means more interviews and ultimately a better show.
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 and you can leave some honest feedback and a rating which will help both me and the show and 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 and your name.
NEW Q&A from Foreground Web
It's no secret I'm a big fan of Alex Vita of Foreground Web – the guy is a website/IT genius and has helped me out of a fix on multiple occasions.
In addition to his help with my websites, Alex regularly puts out photography specifics and helpful content via his newsletter and blog which I highly recommend.
Following a constant barrage of questions from photographers around the world, Alex has recently launched a new and FREE resource – a monthly Q&A where he will answer your questions about photography websites, business, SEO & more…
Not all questions will be published but they will be answered.
If you have any questions regarding your website, put Alex to the test at: http://www.foregroundweb.com/blog/new-monthly-qa/
You can also ask questions via email [email protected] or Twitter @foregroundweb.
Questions can be about anything related to photography websites:
- layout/design decisions
- not sure how to size/compress images?
- improving an existing site or starting from scratch?
- what to write about on your blog
- concerns about plugins or site security
- SEO questions
- anything really
Alex will give you his answer (usually within 24 hours).
Every few weeks he'll collate the best questions to be published on the blog at Foreground Web.
If you have anything to add to any of Alex's answers (or can answer from a different perspective), go for it!
Alex will share relevant notes with other photographers so everyone can benefit.
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Brett Florens Workshop Schedules
Podcast Episode 138: Peter Myers – Peter Myers and the AIPP + Facebook Ad Challenge 2
Podcast Episode 145: Peter Hurley – How To Survive and Thrive as a Headshot Photographer
Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP)
How the World Sees You: Discover Your Highest Value Through the Science of Fascination
Neuro-Linguistic Programming Books
Shot in the Dark: Low-Light Techniques for Wedding and Portrait Photography
Thank you!
Thank you again for listening to the show and thanks to Brett for agreeing to come back onto the show and again, sharing so much.
It is important to learn from other photographers and still retain your identity – Brett Florens
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
This was interesting in a number ways. I think Brett’s view/approach is definitely photography Marmite – you’ll either love it or hate it. I certainly don’t want to be one of those “haters” he’s clearly had a hard time from, but his approach in both the clients he seeks to attract and how he goes about it wasn’t for me – but I respect him for that. As my photography approach is built on a no nonsense, authentic and genuine approach I’m not sure it’d work for me. I think a point was being missed that aiming for higher income clients doesn’t mean you have to be like a top brand. Not all those with higher incomes want a top of the range car or shop in an Armani store. That said, you can’t knock him for the success he’s had but an approach like that of Craig George (a few podcasts back) resonated much more for me and, if I’m honest, felt much more true and honest to himself as a photographer.
That said, a big takeaway for me came quite late on – and that point about building and marketing to longer term vendors rather than short term couples kind of made a penny drop in my head. Kind of obvious really – but that comment definitely made a light go on in my head.
Still, a fascinating interview. Thanks both of you!
Hey Darren – great to read your take on Brett’s approach. I’ve no doubt it’s for everyone and I agree you don’t need to be like a high end brand to attract high end clients to some degree. I do feel more high end clients will be more likely to go with a photographer who is perceived to be high end – whether that’s due to having a high end/expensive perfume looking brand or a reputation seen as high end.
I also believe (rightly or wrongly), a photographer could be totally new to the business of wedding photography, come in with a website the same as Brett’s and attract high end clients from the start and shortcutting (or completely missing) the build a reputation phase.
It’d be good to get Brett’s take on your comments though – I’ll let him know it’s here.
In regards to your takeaway, I think the vendor approach is spot on.
Thats mate for putting your thoughts down.
Just listened and very much love to hear what Brett has to say. It’s due to Brett I raised my prices a few years ago and am aiming at a client that is above my own baseline.
Due to him, the business is more sustainable and attracting the kind of client I want as apposed to the clients I need.
Thanks Andrew for another great podcast and thank you Brett for all the great advice.
That’s fantastic Ross! Did you attend one of Brett’s workshops or was the price rise due to the first interview I did with Brett?
Thanks for the feedback – I totally agree with the comments. This platform has facilitated information and advice for all levels and genres, which allows individuals to sift through information to decide what will work for them. My interview was about my views and what works for me. Appreciate the support, Brett