As a portrait or wedding photographer, do you occasionally wish you had someone to turn to for business related questions, ideas to bounce off or help with pricing and packages. Sally Sargood of ineedasally.com could well be your answer. In this interview we cover her amazing career and some of the best photography business advice she usually saves for her clients from around the world.
Sally has been in the photography industry for over 20 years and although she has a talent and passion for photography, it's the business of photography that seems to be her work life's calling. After working for some of the countries best photo labs and photographers, Sally has a firm grasp of what needs to be done to create and run a successful photography business.
In this interview, we trace the path Sally has taken from giving up on university to pursue photography till the present where she lives the jet-setting lifestyle, living between Australia and the USA while consulting and improving the businesses of photographers everywhere.
Here's some of what we cover in the interview:
- The secret to selling is not to sell but educate
- Photographing big Greek (scary) weddings
Sally's new career sees her traveling the world helping photographers succeed in business.
- Why NOT to wear a dress when shooting weddings
- Struggling with confidence as a photographer
- 2nd shooting and the fun of it
- Using scripts and techniques that really do work
- Booking weddings on the night of the 1st appointment
- Who should you be following for your business decisions?
- The importance of branding
- Setting YOUR price list
- How to differentiate yourself and your business
- Educate, educate, educate
- Albums, why they're important
- Pricing options to entice album orders
- Why in-person sales are a must for portrait photographers
- Selling via Skype
- Doubling your prices for success
- Album upgrades
Can't find the podcast?
I received a note from Eric Williams who was having trouble finding the podcast on his Windows 8 Phone and I was reminded that not every listener is an “Apple fanboy” or loves iTunes.
If you are having trouble finding the podcast in the normal way you like to consume or find them, let me know and I'll make sure the shows are available there.
Moving the Studio
Last week I moved my studio from a street frontage, to home based after a 9 year stint. I wouldn't wish a move like that on anyone although the trip to the rubbish tip and the curb side collection was somehow cathartic.
I'm not sure how the move will affect my business but if you've made a similar move in the past, let me know how it went and what changes I can expect in regard to business, if any.
The AIPP State print awards
Following the big move, I was part of the judging panel for the annual State print awards and had a great time catching up with old friends and making new ones. In between judging duties and socialising, I was able to recored a bunch of interviews I'm looking forward to bringing to you in a future episode of the podcast.
I made a concerted effort to speak to a wide range of photographers while there – from world renown wedding photographers to 2nd shooters, assistants, up and comers, students and established photographers in their areas. It was a lot of fun and I hope to have them collated into a “bonus” episode shortly.
Items mentioned in this podcast:
Sally gets to combine her passion of photography and travel with her business and you can follow her with envy on Instagram.
Where Is Sally – Sally's Travel Blog and passion
Nulab – Photo Lab
The Edge Photo Imaging – Photo Lab
Pro Select – portrait sales software
Dave Jackson's – School of Podcasting
Pat Flynn's – How To Start A Podcast
Premium members
If you're a premium membership holder, make sure you check out the special offer from Sally in regard to her consulting fees in the members area. If you're not a member, fill in your details below and have a free look at some of what's on offer.
At $10 per month, it's a steal – implement one idea from the members area and you'll save years worth off your subscription costs. Plus, your membership will go a long way to keeping this podcast going.
I love to get your feedback and now it's easier than ever. You can still send an email or use the comments area below, and I'd love you to – but there's a new way. Voicemail.Yep, just click the voicemail tab to the right of the page and you can recored a message. If you have a particular topic you want covered, a guest you'd like to hear interviewed, a complaint or just to chat – leave me message, it'd be great to hear form you.
Finally, if you're on twitter, check out this new link: photobizx.com/love
Thanks again for tuning in, hope you have a fantastic week!
Speak soon
Andrew
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