500: Takeaways from ten years of photography business interviews

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

Episode 500 of the Photography Business Xposed podcast was always about you, the Premium Members and listeners. I wanted a chance to make an episode dedicated to you and what you might have picked up and implemented as a result of listening to the interviews you have.

I put the call out to Premium Members who have made the podcast possible from day one, ten years ago! In reality, as much as I love every podcast listener, it's the members I'm paying tribute to with this milestone of an episode.

I've said from day one that the PBX podcast is only entertainment unless you are implementing at least some of what you hear from so many incredibly generous guests. The recordings that make up this episode prove to every listener and me that your photography business can improve and move forward faster if you're one of the dedicated business owners who take away the gems they hear shared and utilise them in their businesses.

In this episode, hear some of the biggest takeaways from the last ten years of photography business interviews.

A big thanks to you for listening, your continued support, and all the ups, downs, wins and losses you've shared with me since kicking this thing off. One thing is for sure; there wouldn't be a PBX Podcast if it weren't for you!

A big thanks to our contributors for this episode:

Melbourne in-home, lifestyle, newborn and family portrait photographer, Katrina Ferguson

The most impactful thing recently that I learned through the podcast is about AI batch editing. It's been a massive game-changer for me. It's saves so much time and it makes editing just more interesting again. – Katrina Ferguson

Canberra Dog photographer, Ina Jalil (Episode 475)

I've learned so much from Andrew's podcast. It's such a resourceful and informative podcast, and it's changed my life and my business…This year, I've turned over $200,000 having only been full-time in the business for just under 9 months. – Ina Jalil

Ottawa engagement and couple photographer, Sophie Renaud

They made the biggest difference in our business and they were the springboard that we needed to be where we are today…We are making what we feel that we are worth and not overworking ourselves. – Sophie Renaud

South Jersey Wedding Photographer, Gen Palmer

You can build a successful photography business so many different ways. Well, I don't want to say that there's no wrong way to build your business. There's definitely more than one right way. Never let anyone tell you that you're doing it wrong. – Gen Palmer

Baby Photographers Dundee, Ally Stuart-Ross (Episode 465)

There is just always something to learn. No matter how big or how small, there's always something that you can do to improve your business. – Ally Stuart-Ross

The Facebook group is such an integral part of the Premium Membership. It doesn't matter what you need…there's always somebody in there to offer you a friendly ear. – Ally Stuart-Ross

Windsor and Ascot professional dog photographer, Chris Miller

I've lost a tremendous amount of physical weight because I tend to listen to your podcast while I'm working out. It's a great routine. It's kept me doing that from a discipline perspective and I've lost over 18 kilos or 40 pounds of weight since I've listened to PhotobizX. So, I have to thank you for that, which has been amazing. – Chris Miller

It's been fantastic. I could not have gone into my retirement years with the confidence and to achieve what we've done without listening to PhotobizX and getting so much from your wonderful guests. – Chris Miller

It's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. I can certainly share some stories from my experience that you can actually start a professional photography business in your retirement years. – Chris Miller

Natural family, Birth, and Newborn Baby Photographer in Preston Connecticut, Dacia Banda

I've been listening to your podcast since late 2017 and your podcast has quite literally changed my business. I attribute the success of my studio and the survival of my studio to your podcast. – Dacia Banda

I really strongly believe that accountability partners in business are so vital to success because if I were just left on my own, I wouldn't get things done. – Dacia Banda

Professional Headshots in Millsboro, Delaware, Eric Cathell

It's the Facebook Group that I feel is the most important part of the membership. We have access to the podcast guests, and we have access to the other listeners within the world. – Eric Cathell

Atlanta Portrait Photographer, Mike Glatzer

80% of my leads are coming in through Google or something similar and it's all because of SEO ranking. – Mike Glatzer

Adelaide family photographer, Tammy Miles

I think the thing that's had the biggest impact on my life and my business is the mindset that comes from regularly listening to your podcast. By hearing all of your inspirational guests, and getting insights into their business and their attitude, has really kept me motivated and given me so many actionable steps to keep growing my business. – Tammy Miles

Automation and Outsourcing for Wedding Professionals, Rick Liston (Episode 431)

What I have taken the most from the PhotobizX podcast is to relieve my own anxiety around the lifespan of a wedding photographer and to know that there is this vast, beautiful future beyond that and that I should not be scared of it. – Rick Liston

Whitewater dog and equine photographer, Jan Bezzo

The one that I chose, I did so because it really helped me when I was getting my business started. It helped me get the clients in, which allowed me to practice my craft as well as work on my business and my workflow and working with clients, and that was the Bernie Ads…That has really helped me move my business forward and design it in a way that works for me and my life. – Jan Bezzo

Salt Lake City Business Branding Photographer, Monica Burby

I was just so inspired by your deep dives into business and other subjects that helped me learn how to re-establish my business but this time, with many more boundaries that would hopefully prevent me from going through such a dramatic burnout again. – Monica Burby

I also just wanted to give a shoutout for the LinkedIn course that was offered. Within just a couple of days of taking that course and setting up my LinkedIn profile as suggested, I received a job photographing a large group of HR Board of Directors. That one job has led to several others and it's still producing active leads. – Monica Burby

Family Photography Harlow, Sue Kennedy

The most recent episode that really resonated with me was the Katrina Ferguson one where she was talking about the reality of running a business with a family. I just thought it was really refreshing to hear business success measured by something other than monetary values. – Sue Kennedy

Professional Headshot Photographer based in Jacksonville, Florida, Chris Cottrell

Hey Andrew,

Thanks for the help with finding a pet photographer in the Arlington/Washington DC area. I am amazed the 500th episode is coming up. I started listening in 2014!! While driving back an forth from Atlanta to Florida (we moved back here 3 years ago). There are too many things for me to list but the little nuggets that I picked up each week and continue to pickup each have really helped shape my business into what it is now “Headshots a, Corporate Headshots and Branding”. – Oh the struggles!!! Luckily, I made some really good decisions back at the start of the pandemic and I’ve stayed busy ever since. Last year was my best year ever with an increase of 40+% over 2021 my revenues are not huge, but enough to keep us living pretty nice (around $70K last year) This year is kicking off with a $8,000 corporate headshot gig next week and pretty much shooting everyday with individual clients etc.

Well mate, I’ll try to leave a little recording for you and send it in the next day or so. Thank you for all you do for us Andrew!

Chris

I've been a listener since 2014. My biggest takeaways is Chris' Studio Ninja. It's been a massive help to my business over the last few years and it continues to help me. – Chris Cottrell

Newcastle Celebrant, Julie Muir (Episode 320)

This podcast is my secret weapon in advancing my business and taking it to the next level…Learning from successful photographers have helped me in so many ways. But if I have to pick just one, I'd say it has helped me slash my self-limiting pricing beliefs on what couples are prepared to pay for wedding services. – Julie Muir

Las Vegas wedding and portrait photographer, Damian Blacklock

There's too many highlights from 500 to tell you about. Some of my favorite episodes and people were actually from the very beginning. – Damian Blacklock

Cairns commercial photographer, Veronica Sagredo

Hi Andrew,

I have learned lots from listening to the podcast and I think one of the biggest thing is believing in yourself (myself) and the value of what I do. Thank you so much, this year I got the Shopping center contract to do the Santa photos and getting smashed, something completely new to me but so far so good, will see on the 24th how profitable it was 😉

Thanks for everything and have a great Christmas!!

Documentary-style wedding and family photographer, Wairarapa and Tararua regions, Aotearoa New Zealand, Sarah Watkins

Kia ora Andrew,

Here's a little something from me.

I'm Sarah from Lucalia Photography. I provide outdoorsy people who hate awkward poses, documentary wedding and portrait photography, in the Wairarapa region of Zealand.

Thanks so much for being awesome as always!! Congratulations on your 500th episode what an amazing achievement. Each and every episode has something of value for me. Be it inspiration, goals or practical strategies to grow my business.

I know you only asked for one thing that has had the most impact, but I've got three.

One: the Bernie-style Facebook ads hands down. The ability to bring in clients when needed is my lead marketing strategy.

Two: Donald Miller's building a story brand. Enough said!

Three: general inspiration from yourself and each guest to be who I uniquely am and that I can do this.

I'm leaving my marketing job and going full time next year and I can't wait! It wouldn't be possible without your podcast.

All the best for the next 500!
Cheers,
Sarah

Professional photographers in Sydney, Australia, Orlando Sydney

What an incredible contribution to the spread of creative entrepreneurship.

Congratulations, Andrew Hellmich, on completing 500 episodes of your podcast featuring successful and standout photographers! What an incredible achievement and a testament to your dedication and hard work in bringing valuable insights and experiences to your listeners.

The Photo Biz X podcast has surely been a valuable resource for photographers and those interested in the industry. We are grateful for the knowledge and inspiration you have shared through your years of well-thought-out interviews.

Here's to many more successful episodes Andrew, and all the best for PhotoBizX continued podcasting success.

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 interview – the full-length and more revealing version where you hear the absolute best tips and advice from every guest.

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, get access to an amazing back catalogue of interviews and ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter. – Alfred Eisenstaedt

Plus special member-only interviews.

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. There are also FB live video tutorials, role-play interviews and special live interviews happening in the group.

You will not find more friendly, more motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Only photograph what you love. – Tim Walker

And that's not all… you get members-only training, Facebook live sessions with special guests and more.

In addition to everything above, you'll get access to and instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable and build friendships with other pro photographers with similar motives to you – 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 away from what the PBX members 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 comments below, let me know what your takeaways were, what you plan to implement in your business as a result of what you heard in today's episode.

The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do. – Andy Warhol

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!

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 mean 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 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 and email me your keywords or keyword phrase and where you'd like me to link to.

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.

Upcoming Training to Transition into Pet Photography… Profitably

THE REGISTRATION PAGE IS OPEN AND DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE UPCOMING TRAINING WITH KIRSTIE McCONNELL

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

Episode 1: Welcome To The Photo Biz Xposed Podcast with Andrew Hellmich

Episode 237: Walter Sheehey – From Engagement Shoot to Wedding Booking with PhotoFilms

Episode 453: John Glaser – From photographer with a business to serious business owner

Episode 350: Brian Kellogg – Making the move from wedding photography to profitable portraits

Episode 260: Corey Potter – SEO For Photographers Right Now, What You Need To Know

Episode 490: Katrina Ferguson – The raw truth about running a photography business with a family

Episode 173: Chris Garbacz – Focus on the Business Side of Photography for Financial Success

Episode 363: Bernie Griffiths – Business growth for wedding and portrait photographers

Episode 348: Steve Saporito – How to excite and delight your portrait clients to better sales

Episode 012: Jerry Ghionis – Cooking Up Wedding Photography Success, Don’t Get Caught in the Fire

Episode 445: Kristen Kalp – The interview with no agenda to help you go your own way

Thank you!

Thanks again for listening, and big thanks to each contributor who made this episode possible – I really appreciate you taking the time and making the effort to record something.

Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies. – Diane Arbus

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