The Deasy's saw a massive drop in studio portrait bookings, turnover and profit after the global financial crisis (GFC) hit Ireland. By understanding their numbers and taking fast action the business was turned on its head to become extremely profitable once again. In this interview, you'll learn the secret to portrait photography success is to know your numbers.

During our chat Padraic and Sonia explain the steps they took that redefined the way they do business following the dramatic downturn. As soon as it became obvious that the industry was changing, the first thing Sonia implemented was a brand new and very simple price list, dramatically less products, a new “Simply Friday” package, some staff were let go and Padraic altered the way he was shooting.

Although the Deasy's were big on systems before, now everything was about systems, workflow, streamlining and simplifying.

The good news is you can implement the same strategies right now and see similar results in your portrait photography business. You will never look at numbers and costs the same way again, following this episode of the podcast.

Here's some of what we cover:

  • shooting studio portraits only
  • management systems
  • pricing and packages
  • planning sessions – one of the best things implemented into the business
  • cost of sales, why it's important and how to calculate yours
  • benchmarking
  • no digital files for the clients… EVER
  • understanding and calculating the biggest cost to your business… man hours
  • business software
  • attracting new clients with in-house events
  • dressing for success
  • no pressure selling
  • sell first then shoot with planning sessions
  • having a 100% money back guarantee
With five young children and a successful portrait photography business in a tough economic climate, one thing is absolutely certain… the Deasy's are doing something right. In this interview they are completely open about their strategies, systems, costs and prices and there is no way you can't benefit in your business by implementing just one idea from this episode.

Not only are they operating a profitable and busy portrait studio, Sonia works school hours four days per week and Padraic never stays past 6pm – incredible and inspirational.

 Deasy Photographic podcast Interview

 

What is your big takeaway?

After listening to this episode, what is your one big takeaway, what's the one thing you'd like to implement in your business as a result of what Sonia and Padraic had to say? Get involved, leave a comment below and let me know… I really am interested.

Also, if you disagree with something that was said or feel I left a question unasked, leave a note in the comments and I'll chase the Deasy's up for an answer.

Australian Workshop Locations and Dates?

If you're interested in attending one of the Australian workshops by Sonia and Padraic, the dates and locations are listed below.

  • Melbourne, Australia 1 Day Seminar Monday 12th August 1PM – 7PM
  • Sydney, Australia 1 Day Seminar Wednesday 14th August 1PM – 7PM
  • Brisbane, Australia 1 Day Seminar Friday 16th August 1PM – 7PM
  • Melbourne, Australia 2 Day Masterclass 19th & 20th August 10AM – 6PM
  • Sydney, Australia 2 Day Masterclass 22nd & 23rd August 10AM – 6PM

If you'd like more information about these workshops and others from around the world head over to: Padraic and Sonia

Deasy Photographic podcast Interview

 

iTunes ratings and reviews

Only the one iTunes rating and review this week from Alina Wall of www.photographybyalinawall.com in Canada. Thanks so much Alina, great to have you listening and laughing along, Ben Marden will love to know you enjoyed his episode.

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If you'd like to leave a review like Alina did, simply click here and follow the directions in the “review” tab in iTunes.

Deasy Photographic podcast Interview

 

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

Deasy Photographic: http://deasyphotographic.ie

Padraic and Sonia – workshop website: http://www.padraicandsonia.com

Deasy Photographic on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deasyphotographic

Deasy Photographic on Twitter: https://twitter.com/deasyphoto

Ann Monteith – http://www.annmonteith.com

The PPA Benchmark: http://www.ppa.com/membership/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1578

Pro Show Producer – Slideshow software the Deasy's use: http://www.photodex.com/proshow/producer

Studio Plus – studio management software: http://www.studioplussoftware.com

Mail Chimp – email software for promotions to integrate with your database: http://mailchimp.com

 

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