PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast

Hosted by Andrew Hellmich: Photographer & the Interviewer Who Asks What Other Photography Business Podcasters

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Aug 2026

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PhotoBizX is the number one photography business podcast for portrait and wedding photographers who want to attract more clients, charge what they’re worth, and build a thriving business. Hosted by Australian Master Photographer Andrew Hellmich, this weekly interview show features the world’s most successful and inspiring photographers and industry experts — the real stars of every episode. Andrew’s relaxed, curious interview style draws out incredible depth and honesty; listeners often say he asks exactly what they’re thinking and are shocked by how much his guests reveal. Each episode delivers real strategies, stories, and systems you can implement immediately — leaving you motivated and ready to grow your photography business.

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August 17, 202657 min

682: Myriam Ménard – The $20K Wedding Photographer Who Doesn’t Chase Marketing Trends

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Myriam Ménard of www.myriammenard.com is a wedding photographer who has built a 17-year business without pretending to be a marketing guru. Based in Montreal, she photographs weddings across Canada and Europe and describes herself as a thoughtful wedding photographer. From what I’ve seen of her work and the way she approaches her business, that description fits. Her success has come through word of mouth, reputation, community, careful curation and a portfolio that feels genuinely like her — not from chasing every new marketing tactic or trying to outsmart the algorithm. She’s spoken in front of 500 photographers at Way Up North and is the founder and host of Beyond the heArts, now in its fourth year. If you’re tired of constantly posting, performing online, tweaking funnels and feeling like you need to become someone else to market your photography, this interview will feel refreshing. We cover intentional curation, self-worth, creativity, premium pricing, documentary photography with elegance, offline networking, and what it really looks like to build a business aligned with who you are. In this interview, Myriam shares how she attracts high-value wedding clients through relationships and referrals, why she believes other people talking about your work is becoming more important than talking about yourself, how she uses curation to shape the kind of clients she attracts, why saying no can protect your brand, and how she has built a low-volume wedding business where local bookings can reach $22,000 CAD and European destination weddings start at €12,000. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why Myriam believes offline marketing is becoming more valuable than constantly posting online How real relationships and word of mouth helped her build a premium wedding photography business Why saying no to the wrong clients can protect both your brand and your creativity How Myriam spots clients who are unlikely to be a good fit before the wedding Why meeting planners, florists and photographers in person has become a major part of her marketing How one genuine behind-the-scenes TikTok video led to more enquiries and even reached Drew Barrymore Why effective networking is a long game rather than an exercise in asking for referrals How Myriam builds trust with destination wedding clients even when she hasn’t photographed at their location before Why her European destination weddings start at €12,000 and Montreal weddings reach $22,000 CAD How photographing just 8–15 weddings a year can create a successful, lower-volume business Why intentional portfolio curation can change the kind of clients your photography attracts How Myriam uses words and visual branding together to create a clearer, more recognisable brand Why she believes other people talking about your work may become more important than talking about yourself Why photographers need to stop rushing, build trust over time and avoid skipping the steps that create a lasting business What’s on Offer for Premium Members 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, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews. It's going to be even more important in the following five years at least that you don't market yourself. It's going to be the others talking for you. – Myriam Ménard 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. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find friendlier, more motivated, caring, and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all. Go out there, find your people, and don't be shy to show up in your real way and be vulnerable. That's how we connect, and to me, that's the best marketing. – Myriam Ménard In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, hold you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers who share your goals—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 from what Myriam 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on today's episode. If I let others dictate me what they want to see, I will lose myself. – Myriam Ménard If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Myriam, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below. People sometimes don't understand what they want, but when they see it, they feel something. – Myriam Ménard iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show. I allow myself the luxury to say no because I knew already that it could be so unaligned that it could backfire at me, and it already happened to me in the past… being honest and real-that's what attracts the right people to you. – Myriam Ménard 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 or https://photobizx.com/google . You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. 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 . Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them. I love to call it offline marketing. So I go out there and I just show up. And to me, it's the best way to really show how I care, to also feel it if I want to work with someone or not, and like see if we're aligned actually because I follow strongly my instincts. – Myriam Ménard 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. Here is the latest review… ★★★★★ Most Trusted Resource for Photographers Via Google by Bóna Barna, a family and wedding photographer based in Szeged , in Hungary on August 12th, 2026. For years, it has been my most trusted resource for business-related content. Never before have I had one like this that I keep coming back to so often. Andrew's service-focused approach is something I just can't say enough good things about. Highly recommended! Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Myriam Ménard Website Myriam Ménard Education Myriam Ménard on Facebook Myriam Ménard on Tiktok Behind the Scenes with Myriam Part 1 <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@myriammenardphoto...

August 10, 202641 min

681: Richard I’Anson – From Wedding Photographer to a 40-Year Travel Photography Career

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Richard I’Anson of www.richardianson.com has built the kind of photography career many photographers dream about. He has spent 40 years photographing the world — more than 100 countries, all seven continents, and an enormous body of work covering people, places, culture, landscapes, festivals and wildlife. His images have been published worldwide. He’s authored 14 books, including the best-selling Lonely Planet’s Guide to Travel Photography, and he’s a Canon Master Photographer. But what interests me most isn’t just the travel. It’s the career behind it. Because it’s one thing to take great photos while travelling. It’s another thing altogether to build a sustainable photography business around that work for four decades. In this interview, I wanted to understand what made that possible — the planning, persistence, commercial decisions, relationships and adaptability behind Richard’s career, and how his thinking about photography and business has changed along the way. Richard shares how weddings and portraits helped fund and prepare him for travel photography, how he built a stock library that opened doors with Lonely Planet and other publishers, what happened to the stock photography market, why print sales have never been a major part of his business, and how photography tours became his most important income stream today. We also talk about why experience matters before launching tours or workshops, the realities of making money from travel photography, balancing family and constant travel, and why the business model you choose may matter more than the camera you use. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: How Richard turned a five-year plan into a 40-year career in travel photography Why shooting weddings and portraits became the perfect training ground for travel photography How building a strong body of work opened doors with Lonely Planet, World Expeditions and other publishers Why Richard says photographers shouldn’t approach potential clients before they have enough work to back up their claims How long-term industry relationships became a major part of Richard’s photography career Why being too protective of your best images can actually limit their commercial potential What happened to the once-lucrative stock photography market — and why Richard wouldn’t recommend relying on it today Why Richard believes photographers need thousands of strong, commercially useful images before stock can generate meaningful income How photography tours became the most important income stream in Richard’s business Why experience, reputation and people skills matter as much as photography when running successful tours Why simply putting landscape prints on a website is unlikely to become a profitable business How Richard balanced 90 days of travel each year with family life and running the business from home Why photographers need to keep adapting their business model as markets, technology and client demand change Why Richard believes his photography tours are relatively protected from AI because clients are paying for the experience of travelling and creating their own images What’s on Offer for Premium Members 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, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews. People do not care what it cost you, how much pain you went through, how many days you sat on the mountain top, how cold you were or how hungry you were. It’s just the image in front of them. – Richard I’Anson 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. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find friendlier, more motivated, caring, and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all. It’s one thing to take the pictures. You still have to come home, work with them, get them out there, sell them effectively and do all the other stuff you do in a business. – Richard I’Anson In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, hold you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers who share your goals—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 from what Richard 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on today's episode. There is nothing like a wedding to teach you how to shoot under pressure. There is no second chance. You have to deliver regardless of everything. – Richard I’Anson If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Richard, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below. Selling prints is hard. Randomly selling prints on a website isn’t going to make you a living. – Richard I’Anson iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show. I think my biggest achievement is the fact that I’m still going after 40 years. – Richard I’Anson 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 or https://photobizx.com/google . You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. 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 . Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them. I wanted to be a photographer to take photos. I didn’t want to be a photographer to make money. – Richard I’Anson 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. Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Richard I’Anson Website Richard I’Anson on Instagram Richard I’Anson on Facebook The demand for pictures is probably as great as ever. It’s just that the price people are paying is so small, it’s laughable. – Richard I’Anson Thank you! Huge thanks to Richard for such an honest look at what it really takes to build a long-term career in photography. What stood out for me is how little of his success came from chasing quick wins. It was years of shooting, learning the business, building a body of work and adapting as the industry changed. Forty years on, he’s still doing what he loves — and that’s probably the biggest lesson of all. I’d love to know what stood out for you. I’ve always thought you should do it full time. I’ve never thought that you could actually make money from photography part time. – Richard I...

August 3, 202640 min

680: Brian Levin – Creating $500,000-Looking Videos for $5,000

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Brian Levin is the founder of Warthog AI: www.warthogaistudios.com He’s a writer, producer and director with credits including Union Bridge and Flock of Dudes, and is now working at the forefront of AI-generated video. Through Warthog AI, Brian and his team are helping businesses, creators, and storytellers turn ideas, still images, and scripts into polished video content at a speed and cost that traditional production simply can’t match. And for photographers, this opens up a much bigger conversation than simply whether AI is good or bad. It’s about marketing, storytelling, attention, new products and what happens when creative tools that once required large crews and serious budgets become available to small businesses. In this interview, Brian shares how realistic AI video has become, why photographers may be better positioned than they realise, and how still images can now be transformed into convincing video content. He also talks about the fear and resistance surrounding AI, the commercial opportunities already appearing, the importance of keeping skilled artists involved, and why photographers need to understand what’s happening before deciding whether to embrace it or reject it. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why Brian Levin believes AI video will soon be impossible to distinguish from real footage How photographers can turn a single still image into cinematic video using AI Why learning AI now could give photographers a major competitive advantage How AI is helping businesses create premium marketing content for a fraction of the usual cost Why commercial clients are embracing AI faster than the traditional film industry How overcoming fear of AI could unlock new creative and business opportunities Why delivering exceptional results matters more than the tools you use How offering affordable AI services can help photographers attract new clients and build trust Why AI-generated video is creating exciting new income streams for photographers How combining photography with AI video can make your business stand out in a crowded market Why understanding the ethical side of AI will become an essential skill for modern photographers How Brian Levin is proving AI can enhance creativity without replacing great visual storytelling What’s on Offer for Premium Members 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, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews. We just created something that would normally look like a $500,000 national commercial. It would have taken six to eight weeks. We did it in four days and charged $5,000. – Brian Levin 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. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find friendlier, more motivated, caring, and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all. Building a business isn’t always fun, but outside of delivering something valuable, the most important thing is to keep putting yourself and your work in front of people. – Brian Levin In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, hold you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers who share your goals—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 from what Brian 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on today's episode. Highlight your existing skill and experience, then use AI as another tool that can make things faster or create work that wasn’t possible before. – Brian Levin If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Brian, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below. The most unique thing about this technology is that it turns filmmaking into every other art form. You’re no longer defeated by a lack of capital when trying to execute a creative idea. – Brian Levin iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show. If George Lucas were 21 and coming out of college today, he would jump all over this. He wouldn’t need to raise $50 million to make a movie—he could just start creating his stories. – Brian Levin 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 or https://photobizx.com/google . You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. 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 . Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them. If your instinct is to say AI is destructive to artists, pause for a second, because you might be wrong. It could be constructive—creatively and economically—but you’ll need the skills to capitalise on it. – Brian Levin 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. Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Warthog AI Studios Brian Levin Website Brian Levin on LinkedIn Get acquainted with the technology and then make a decision. That’s smarter than avoiding it, because it’s hard to make an informed decision about something you don’t understand. – Brian Levin Thank you! Huge thanks to Brian for sharing such an honest look at where AI-generated video is heading. What stood out for me is that the real opportunity for photographers isn’t replacing creativity with AI. It’s using these tools to create products and marketing that simply weren’t practical before. Whether you’re excited by it or wary of it, Brian’s message is hard to ignore: understand what the technology can do before deciding where you stand. I’d love to know what stood out for you. If your whole business is built around being anti-AI, I don’t know that you’ll get enough work to sustain that business in the coming years. Highlight the humans and artists behind the work instead. – Brian Levin That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks for listening—speak soon, Andrew The post 680: Brian Levin – Creating $500,000-Looking Videos for $5,000 appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business .

July 27, 202651 min

679: Melody MacDonald – How to Handle Difficult Photography Clients Without Losing Your Cool

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Melody MacDonald of www.odymacphoto.com brings a background I don’t think I’ve ever featured on the podcast before. Before becoming a full-time photographer, she spent more than 20 years working as a 911 dispatcher. In that world, communication isn’t simply about being polite or saying the right thing. It’s about staying calm when someone else isn’t. Hearing what’s really being said underneath the emotion. Getting the right information, making clear decisions under pressure, and helping move someone towards a better outcome. And while photography may not involve life-or-death emergencies, difficult client conversations can still feel emotionally charged. A frustrated email. A disappointed parent. An unhappy bride or groom. A session that didn’t go as planned. Or a client who comes in hot over something that may not feel like a true emergency to you, but absolutely does to them. That’s where Melody’s experience becomes so valuable. In this interview, she shares what photographers often get wrong when dealing with upset clients, why reacting too quickly can make things worse, and how to pause, listen and respond from a calmer, clearer place. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why Melody MacDonald’s 20+ years as a 911 dispatcher changed the way she communicates with photography clients Why telling an upset client to “calm down” usually makes the situation worse How clear, kind and direct communication can prevent many client complaints before they happen Why photographers should pause before replying to an emotional email How to recognise when you’re reacting from frustration rather than responding as a business owner Why an unhappy client may simply be missing information rather than being unreasonable How empathy and validation can defuse tension without admitting fault or giving away free products Why photographers often try to solve client problems that don’t actually exist When picking up the phone works better than continuing a difficult email exchange How a phone call humanises both the photographer and the client Why you don’t need to apologise, overexplain or make concessions in the moment How stronger boundaries around business hours can reduce stress and resentment Why difficult client situations often reveal weaknesses in your communication, contracts or sales process How breathing, pausing and recognising physical signs of stress can help you stay calm under pressure How Melody’s Unflappable Creatives community helps photographers work through difficult client conversations What’s on Offer for Premium Members 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, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews. One of the first things I learned was never tell somebody to calm down. They’re having their worst moment, and telling them to calm down only makes them feel unheard. – Melody MacDonald 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. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find friendlier, more motivated, caring, and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all. Recognising what your body is doing when you become frustrated is the first step towards responding differently. – Melody MacDonald In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, hold you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers who share your goals—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 from what Melody 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on today's episode. The whole point is to pause before you respond. – Melody MacDonald If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Melody, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below. You don’t have to make promises or concessions in the moment. You can thank them, hear them and give yourself time to respond properly. – Melody MacDonald iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show. A phone call can resolve in minutes what you might spend days worrying about over email. – Melody MacDonald 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 or https://photobizx.com/google . You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. 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 . Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them. We often start trying to solve a problem that doesn’t actually exist. – Melody MacDonald 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. Here is the latest review… ★★★★★ Practical, Actionable Advice for Growing Your Photography Business Via Apple Podcasts by Arngdiva, in the USA on July 23rd, 2026. I’ve been listening to PhotoBizX for a while, and episode 678 on creating a custom. ChatGPT was excellent! Andrew asked great questions and clearly explained in the interview how to train ChatGPT to better understand your photography business. (I appreciated the beginner-level details for people who aren’t familiar with it!) What I appreciate most is how much valuable, actionable content Andrew shares before asking listeners to join his private community. Every episode leaves listeners with ideas they can actually implement. If you’re a photographer, looking to grow your business, streamline, your work clothes, or learn from experience professionals, PhotoBizX is absolutely worth listening to. Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Melody MacDonald Website Unflappable Creatives Facebook Groups Melody MacDonald on Pinterest Melody MacDonald on Instagram Sometimes clients aren’t asking for a solution. They simply need to feel heard and validated. – Melody MacDonald Thank you! Huge thanks to Melody for sharing so openly in this interview. What really stood out for me was how often difficult client situations become worse because we react too quickly, assume the worst, or try t...

July 20, 202639 min

678: Marcin Rafalowicz – How to Build a Custom ChatGPT for Your Photography Business

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Marcin Rafalowicz of Pro Image Academy has been shooting for 17 years, mainly as a side gig. Although when that side business has taken you to New York Fashion Week, destination weddings, local television, The Guardian, Cosmo and plenty of unexpected places, it’s fair to say it became much more than a weekend hobby. Now, at 50, Marcin is shifting more of his focus to helping photographers improve the business side of their work. His work centres around branding, automation and custom AI — three areas he believes can help photographers market themselves more clearly, work more efficiently and avoid years of trial and error. In this interview, Marcin shares what he learned over 17 years in photography, why it took him nine years to properly dial in his own business, and how photographers can build a custom ChatGPT trained on their voice, brand, clients, pricing and services. The aim isn’t to create more generic AI content. It’s to build a tool that actually understands your photography business and sounds more like you. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why Marcin believes most photographers are barely scratching the surface of AI. How to train ChatGPT on your voice, tone, language and personality. Why your business information matters just as much as your writing style. How custom GPTs produce more relevant content than generic ChatGPT prompts. Why poor input leads to bland, predictable marketing. How to build separate custom GPTs for content, pricing, marketing and other business tasks. How AI can generate buyer personas, content ideas, social posts and video scripts. Why refining your custom GPT over time makes the output more accurate. How voice-powered AI and website chatbots could change client enquiries. Why photographers who experiment with AI now will be better prepared for what comes next. What’s on Offer for Premium Members 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, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews. What I try to do with my clients now is set prices that should repel them — and they still don’t budge. They keep booking. – Marcin Rafalowicz 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. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find friendlier, more motivated, caring, and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all. The more you use AI, the friendlier it becomes. The difficult part is simply getting started and stepping outside your comfort zone. – Marcin Rafalowicz In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, hold you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers who share your goals—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 from what Marcin 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on today's episode. The photographers who adapt, experiment and stay open to new ideas will be in a much stronger position than those who keep doing things the same old way. – Marcin Rafalowicz If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Marcin, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below. First, ChatGPT needs to understand how you sound. Then it needs to understand what your business is about. When you combine those two things, you open a completely different door. – Marcin Rafalowicz iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show. A custom ChatGPT doesn’t just know what you sound like. It understands your services, pricing, values, ideal clients and the people you don’t want to work with. – Marcin Rafalowicz 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 or https://photobizx.com/google . You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. 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 . Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them. AI won’t necessarily eliminate photography jobs. It will create a shift, where some opportunities disappear and entirely new ones grow somewhere else. – Marcin Rafalowicz 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. Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Pro Image Academy Marcin Rafalowicz on YouTube Marcin Rafalowicz on Facebook Marcin Rafalowicz on Instagram The problem with generic ChatGPT is that it creates the same posts for everybody. There’s no context, no personality and no real connection to the business. – Marcin Rafalowicz Thank you! Huge thanks to Marcin for sharing so much in this interview. What really stood out was how much better ChatGPT can become when you train it properly — not just on how you write, but on your business, your clients, your pricing and the work you want to be known for. Instead of getting the same generic content as every other photographer, you can build a custom GPT that actually understands your brand and starts to sound like you. I’d love to know what stood out for you. Once you see a tool speaking in your voice, using your ideas and understanding your business, it becomes difficult not to see more ways you could use it. – Marcin Rafalowicz That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks for listening—speak soon, Andrew The post 678: Marcin Rafalowicz – How to Build a Custom ChatGPT for Your Photography Business appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business .

July 13, 202640 min

677: Mycah Bain – Building a Team, Buying Back Your Time and Growing to $340K

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Mycah Bain of www.mycahbain.com is a photographer who's built something a lot of photographers talk about… but very few actually achieve. A photography business that doesn't rely on them doing everything. Over the past 15 years, she's built a studio in Minneapolis that includes weddings, seniors, branding, a team of photographers, streamlined systems and multiple revenue streams. Last year, the business generated around $340,000 in revenue, split almost evenly across brand photography, weddings and portrait photography. What really caught my attention is this… I don't think Mycah is trapped inside the business she's built. She openly shares how she's outsourced key roles, built a leadership team, created a premium client experience and structured the business so she can step away for weeks at a time without everything grinding to a halt. In this interview, Mycah shares how to build a team, buy back your time and grow a hugely profitable, successful photography business. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why Mycah believes photographers don't have to niche down to build a thriving photography business How generating over $340,000 across weddings, branding and portraits proves multiple revenue streams can work together Why Mycah's $1 million goal isn't about money — it's about freedom, opportunity and impact How focusing on profit instead of revenue helped Mycah build wealth and long-term financial security Why your relationship with money could be limiting the growth of your photography business How Mycah rebuilt her business from scratch after divorce and reached six figures in her first year How hiring virtual assistants in the Philippines helped Mycah scale while protecting her time and client experience Mycah's hiring process for finding exceptional team members — and avoiding costly mistakes Why technical skills aren't enough when hiring photographers to represent your brand How clear expectations, systems and documented processes create a premium client experience at scale Why creating a business that runs without you is the real path to freedom How Mycah built a photography business that allows her to travel for weeks without everything grinding to a halt Why “I don't expect perfection, but I do expect excellence” has become Mycah's leadership philosophy What’s on Offer for Premium Members 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, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews. What gets me motivated is being able to provide jobs and opportunities for women, expand an incredible photography experience for more people, and continue building freedom and flexibility for myself. – Mycah Bain 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. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find friendlier, more motivated, caring, and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all. I don't expect perfection, but I do expect excellence. – Mycah Bain In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, hold you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers who share your goals—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 from what Mycah 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on today's episode. Most photographers love taking photos. That's why they started. Once I realised my team could deliver the same experience, I thought, maybe I'm onto something here. – Mycah Bain If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Mycah, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below. I'm really against making the same mistake twice. Anytime something goes wrong, I ask: What happened? How did it happen? And how do we make sure it never happens again? – Mycah Bain iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show. Beautiful photos are the point, but an incredible client experience is what matters most. I want people to feel completely supported, seen and taken care of every step of the way. – Mycah Bain 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 or https://photobizx.com/google . You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. 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 . Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them. I realised, for my own mental health, I couldn't be on social media… I called a friend, crying, and said, “Here's my Instagram password. Just do something until I'm ready to come back.” – Mycah Bain 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. Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Mycah Bain Website Mycah Bain on Instagram Mycah Bain Photography on Facebook Mycah Bain Education Permission Slip to More Freedom Guide Online Jobs PH Upwork FREE Guide to more money with your photography business If you're good at making money, but you don't know how to think about it or manage it, you've only solved part of the puzzle. – Mycah Bain Thank you! Huge thanks to Mycah for sharing so openly in this interview. What stood out to me is how quickly she can rebuild momentum in a brand-new place — not by waiting for years of local trust, but by getting involved, meeting people, building relationships, and showing the kind of work she wants to be known for. I also loved hearing how she thinks bigger than many portrait photographers, from everyday networking conversations to booking a French castle and turning a bold idea into a paid photography experience. I’d love to know what stood out for you. I was taking client calls on public buses in Costa Rica, in a hostel in Nicaragua and in little cafés… I was booking almost every project, and it was going better than when I was sitting at my desk. – Mycah Bain That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business! Thanks for listening—speak soon, Andrew The post <a href="https://photobizx.com/mycah-bain-b...

July 6, 202637 min

676: Joanna Kilgore – How to Build a Photography Business Anywhere

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Joanna Kilgore of www.joannaleekilgore.com is a portrait photographer who’s done something most photographers would find terrifying… She’s rebuilt her business from scratch in completely new locations, more than once, and become known fast. Instead of relying on years of local history, an established client base, or a big advertising budget, Joanna has learned how to embed herself into a new community, build trust quickly, and position herself as the go-to photographer in her area. She’s also not afraid to think bigger than the average portrait photographer. From luxury portrait experiences to destination sessions in French castles, Joanna has a knack for combining creativity, bold ideas and commercial thinking in a way that actually works. Add to that the fact she’s navigating business, family, creativity and big future plans while living with ADHD. Currently based in Florida, Joanna Kilgore of Jolee Art & Photography shares how she builds momentum in a new market, uses networking to create opportunities, turns big ideas into booked experiences, and continues to grow a photography business that can move with her. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why Joanna believes you can rebuild a successful photography business almost anywhere — even without an existing client base How Joanna became known fast after moving to new towns and starting again from scratch Why organic Facebook posts worked in one market but completely failed in another How networking became Joanna’s fastest path to trust, referrals and paid photography clients Why everyday conversations in shops, cafés and local businesses can lead to unexpected bookings How Joanna adapts her marketing and sales approach to suit the culture of each new location Why showing the work you want to sell helps attract the clients and sessions you want more of How Joanna uses luxury portraits, destination shoots and big creative ideas to stand out in a crowded market Why she booked a French castle before every room was sold — and how she turned the idea into a paid experience How Joanna balances digital files, prints and products without forcing every client through the same sales process Why customising sessions around the client’s vision can reduce anxiety and increase satisfaction How Joanna uses speed, service and flexibility as part of her photography business advantage Why being open about your values can attract the right clients without turning it into a sales tactic How Joanna manages ADHD while running a business, raising a family and constantly launching new ideas Why photographers with ADHD can turn curiosity, creativity and big-picture thinking into a competitive advantage How calculated risks, community connection, and constant reinvention continue to shape Joanna’s business growth What’s on Offer for Premium Members 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, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews. You don’t always get to choose where you’re planted, but you can still bloom and blossom there. – Joanna Kilgore 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. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all. I don’t say, “I can’t do that.” I say yes, then I figure out a way to make it happen. – Joanna Kilgore In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, hold you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers who share your goals—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 from what Joanna 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on today's episode. Once you know how to talk to people you don’t know, make friends and explain who you are in a way that makes them want to know more, you can do it anywhere. – Joanna Kilgore If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Joanna, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below. You are capable of anything you think you are. – Joanna Kilgore iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show. I have dreams, ambitions and targets, but I don’t want to cap what’s possible. I stay adaptable and pivot when I need to. – Joanna Kilgore 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 or https://photobizx.com/google . You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. 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 . Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them. If you’re willing to talk to people and show genuine interest, clients can come from anywhere — even a thrift store. – Joanna Kilgore 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. Here is the latest review… ★★★★★ One word – brilliant! Via Google Reviews by Canberra pet photographer , Alistair Nitz on July 2nd, 2026 from Australia. I have been a listener to both the free podcast and the premium service for over three years. One word – brilliant. As a relatively new photography business owner, I am always on the lookout for new strategies and business ideas. This makes the weekly episodes of PhotobizX the activity that tracks highly on my must-do tasks for the week. It explores topics across all photography genres and consistently delivers practical business ideas, actionable suggestions, and solutions to help you grow your business. Andrew is an incredibly personable host who has a knack for asking those inquisitive questions that all photographers actually want to know. If you subscribe to just one photography business podcast, make it PhotobizX. Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode: Joanna Kilgore Website Joanna Kilgore on Instagram Jolee Art & Photography on Facebook Starting over from scratch is hard and scary, but I would rather get to know a new communit...

June 29, 202641 min

675: Kim Jongen – Turning Viral Dog Photos Into Wall Art, Stock Sales and Coaching

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Kim Jongen of www.motherpuppers.nl first appeared on the podcast in episode 570 two years ago. Back then, she was only a couple of years into business, getting media attention and quickly becoming known as that cool dog photographer in the Netherlands. Today, she’s widely known as Holland’s favourite studio dog photographer. She was booked out, standing out and riding the wave of a bold, colourful style the market hadn’t really seen before. But getting attention is one thing. Turning that attention into a business that works, pays well and doesn’t chew up every waking hour… is something else entirely. Since we last spoke, Kim has had to face what most successful photographers eventually run into — too many enquiries, long working days, pricing fears, copycats, outsourcing struggles and the pressure of keeping up with demand without burning out. So, what’s changed since then? How has the business evolved? And how do you go from being known for viral, colourful dog portraits to building something more sustainable, profitable and enjoyable? In this interview, Kim shares how she has reduced her workload, raised her prices, sold more wall art, added stock image sales, started coaching other photographers and moved into a professional studio that finally feels like the right home for Mother Puppers Studio. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why photographing fewer clients helped Kim build a calmer, more sustainable photography business How she maintained her income by raising prices, selling more wall art and adding coaching calls Why pricing fear held her back — and what changed when she finally raised her wall art prices How serious, wall-worthy portraits became just as important as her funny, colourful dog photos Why Kim stopped worrying about copycat photographers and focused on protecting her own headspace How outsourcing editing helped her reclaim time, even while still struggling to let go completely Why showing wall art during the shoot helped clients see, touch and understand what they could buy How Google Ads, local media and word-of-mouth keep bringing in dog photography clients Why clients now travel from across Europe to be photographed at Mother Puppers Studio How mini sessions create cash flow, attract new clients and sometimes lead to full-session bookings How commercial licensing and stock image sales created income from photos she had already taken Why coaching and online education are becoming part of Kim’s future business model What’s on Offer for Premium Members 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, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews. I was always scared that if I put up my prices, clients wouldn’t buy anything anymore. But that’s just mindset. If people want something really nice, the right people will understand that and they will buy it. – Kim Jongen 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. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all. When companies want to use my photos, I first ask what they want to use them for. Personal use and commercial use are completely different. – Kim Jongen In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, hold you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers who share your goals—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 from what Kim 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on today's episode. Most clients choose one crazy colour and one natural colour. The crazy one is fun, but the natural one is often what they want on the wall. – Kim Jongen If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Kim, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below. When people copied my work, it used to make me insecure. Now I know I’ve built my brand and my name, so I block it, stop seeing it and move on. – Kim Jongen PhotoBizX Premium Membership Holiday Special — FINISHES THIS WEEK! It’s rare to see a special price for the PhotoBizX Premium Membership, but one is available now through Tuesday, June 30th, 2026. Why the special? Because it’s holiday time — I’m in Spain and heading to France soon — and it feels like a good excuse to do something a little different. The 12-Month Premium Membership is normally $200… NOW $120. That’s half the price of paying monthly for the year. Join here: https://photobizx.com/holidayspecial This is the lowest price you’ll ever find for a 12-month PhotoBizX Premium Membership. And this year, there’s an extra bonus. I’ll also be adding a series of photography business courses to the 12-month Premium Membership, giving annual members access to even more training, resources and support inside PhotoBizX, including: Photography Pricing Masterclass Build a Photography Website that WORKS! Boost Your Website’s UX and SEO AI Marketing for Photographers The Facebook Ad Promo Course Lead Ads Training for Photographers Facebook Competitions for Photographers LinkedIn for Photographers Qualify Your Leads Like a Pro Sell Your Photography Like a Pro Sales Success Course The Model Framework for Photographers Beyond SEO Unlocking Joy & Fun in Your Business SPECIAL BONUS FOR EXISTING MONTHLY MEMBERS If you’re currently paying monthly and want to upgrade to the 12-month Premium Membership, you’ll not only save half of what you’re currently paying over the year… I’ll also refund your most recent $20 monthly payment. To process the refund, please email me your PayPal email address, which may be different from your regular email address. Make sure you join the 12-month membership first, then cancel your existing monthly payments. This way, your Premium RSS Feed URL stays the same. NOTE: If you are already on the special annual price from last year, there is no need for you to take any action. Your existing membership will automatically renew at the special price. And you will get access to the courses being added too. iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show. Some clients drive from Spain, England, Poland and Austria for a dog photography session. I always thought I’d have to travel to them, but now they travel to me. – Kim Jongen 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 or https://photobizx.com/google . You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. 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 lookin...

June 22, 202650 min

674: Su Kaye – From $81k to $175k by Believing in the Photography Experience You Sell

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area Su Kaye of www.sukaye.com was recommended to me by long-time listener and premium member, Helen Spiegl… and after hearing what she had to say, I knew I had to reach out. Helen told me: Su is someone you should definitely speak to. She’s been in the industry for decades as a family and dog photographer. She’s helped countless people along the way and was my original mentor when we met back in 2013. She’s one of the most unassuming and generous people I know… and it was Su who pushed me and gave me the confidence to become the professional photographer I am. She’s held prestigious roles within multiple UK professional photography bodies and has judged competitions all around the world. And despite all that… she never shouts about her achievements — she just quietly gets on with helping people along their photographic journey. Now that’s a pretty strong endorsement! Additionally, I can see that Su has built a photography business spanning decades — and has a reputation for producing something unexpected — different angles, lighting, perspectives, expressions — rather than standard dog portraits. I was looking forward to learning so much more about what sounds like a fantastic business with an incredible operator. In this interview, Su shares how she’s built and evolved a successful UK pet photography business, why she believes client experience is the real thing photographers are selling, how she lifted her average sale, where her best leads are coming from, and why confidence in your pricing can change everything. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why Su Kaye believes photographers need to keep evolving — even after decades in business How growing up in a family portrait studio shaped Su’s obsession with simplicity, quality and getting every detail right Why moving into dog photography gave Su a fresh creative challenge and a profitable point of difference How one unexpected, award-winning dog portrait helped position Su as a recognised name in pet photography Why Su refuses to judge clients by postcode, income or perceived wealth — and what she looks for instead How payment plans help clients invest in photography without discounting or devaluing the work Why your clients aren’t just paying for prints — they’re paying for the full experience How Su lifted her average sale by improving belief, client care, pricing and pre-sale communication Why employing someone else to handle phone calls became one of the biggest turning points in her business How in-person sales, product education and room-view software help clients make better buying decisions Why dog shows have become one of Su’s strongest sources of qualified pet photography leads How Facebook ads, referrals and competitions fit into Su’s lead-generation mix without relying on one channel Why offering variety in your photography can increase sales without losing your creative identity How Su balances running a successful studio business with mentoring photographers and sharing what works What’s on Offer for Premium Members 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, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews. I think so many photographers undervalue themselves because they say, it only costs me X, so I'll charge a small price for it. – Su Kaye 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. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all. My turnover went from £61k to £132k, and the main change was employing someone to do my phone calls. – Su Kaye In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, hold you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers who share your goals—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 from what Su 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on today's episode. By meeting people beforehand at dog shows, I think my average has changed, and we've been a bit more choosy with who we bring in. – Su Kaye If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Su, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below. If you can offer variety — classical, black and white, bright colour — you're obviously going to have a lot more clients to choose from. – Su Kaye PhotoBizX Premium Membership Holiday Special! It’s rare to see a special price for the PhotoBizX Premium Membership, but one is available now through Tuesday, June 30th, 2026. Why the special? Because it’s holiday time — I’m in Spain and heading to France soon — and it feels like a good excuse to do something a little different. The 12-Month Premium Membership is normally $200… NOW $120. That’s half the price of paying monthly for the year. Join here: https://photobizx.com/holidayspecial This is the lowest price you’ll ever find for a 12-month PhotoBizX Premium Membership. And this year, there’s an extra bonus. I’ll also be adding a series of photography business courses to the 12-month Premium Membership, giving annual members access to even more training, resources and support inside PhotoBizX, including: Photography Pricing Masterclass Build a Photography Website that WORKS! Boost Your Website’s UX and SEO AI Marketing for Photographers The Facebook Ad Promo Course Lead Ads Training for Photographers Facebook Competitions for Photographers LinkedIn for Photographers Qualify Your Leads Like a Pro Sell Your Photography Like a Pro Sales Success Course The Model Framework for Photographers Beyond SEO Unlocking Joy & Fun in Your Business SPECIAL BONUS FOR EXISTING MONTHLY MEMBERS If you’re currently paying monthly and want to upgrade to the 12-month Premium Membership, you’ll not only save half of what you’re currently paying over the year… I’ll also refund your most recent $20 monthly payment. To process the refund, please email me your PayPal email address, which may be different from your regular email address. Make sure you join the 12-month membership first, then cancel your existing monthly payments. This way, your Premium RSS Feed URL stays the same. NOTE: If you are already on the special annual price from last year, there is no need for you to take any action. Your existing membership will automatically renew at the special price. And you will get access to the courses being added too. iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show. I just decided to have more belief in what I was doing. I don't need to do it for nothing, and I don't need to keep giving things away. – Su Kaye 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 or <a href="https://ph...

June 15, 202649 min

673: North Sullivan – Building a $10M+ Portrait Studio Business

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area North Sullivan of www.thephotostudio.com.au has spent over 40 years behind the camera, shooting some of Australia’s largest advertising campaigns. These days, his focus is portrait photography — but what he’s built is far from a typical portrait business. We’re talking about a studio business with close to 80 staff, reported turnover upward of $10 million, and — at the time of recording — more than 150 Meta ads running. There are three incredible-looking studios built inside retro warehouses, based in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. I’m excited to learn more about this impressive business, the man behind it, and how North made the shift from high-end advertising photography to building one of Australia’s most recognisable fashion portrait studio brands. In this interview, North shares how he reinvented his photography career, the business model behind The Photo Studio, why experience and ethics matter in high-ticket portrait sales, what it takes to manage a large creative team, and why imagination, passion and originality may be the real defence against AI. Here's some more of what we covered in the interview: Why North walked away from a successful advertising photography career to build something entirely different How the collapse of traditional commercial photography forced him to rethink the future of his business Why industry disruption can become an opportunity when you’re willing to reinvent yourself How The Photo Studio evolved from family portraits into a fashion-inspired portrait experience for everyday people Why photographing non-professional models became one of the studio’s biggest creative advantages How pop-up studios, live events and competition boxes helped generate leads before social media advertising took off Why a low-cost entry offer only works when the client experience, photography and ethics are strong How North balances high-ticket portrait sales with honesty, transparency and client comfort Why premium studio spaces, strong branding and the right “look, feel and vibe” became key parts of the business model How The Photo Studio expanded into Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane — and why each location had to stand on its own Why managing the team is one of the biggest challenges in a large-scale photography business How AI may disrupt photography again, and why imagination, originality and client experience still matter Why the photographers most likely to survive are those who can create emotion, performance and story — not just technically good images Why passion, commitment, diligence and determination still matter more than shortcuts What’s on Offer for Premium Members 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, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet. Plus, special member-only interviews. We take a $1,500 gamble on every client. – North Sullivan 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. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online. Seriously, that's not all. Passion, commitment, diligence and determination. If you don’t have that, go find yourself another job. – North Sullivan In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, hold you accountable, and help you build friendships with other pro photographers who share your goals—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 from what North 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on today's episode. We are a business. We want clients to fall in love with the pictures and buy as much as they feel comfortable buying… but there has to be ethics there. – North Sullivan If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask North, or a way to thank her for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below. If you don’t have passion, you’re going to lose… because you can’t beat somebody with passion unless you’ve got passion. – North Sullivan PhotoBizX Premium Membership Holiday Special! It’s rare to see a special price for the PhotoBizX Premium Membership, but there’s one available now until Tuesday, June 30th, 2026. Why the special? Because it’s holiday time — I’m in Spain and heading to France soon — and it feels like a good excuse to do something a little different. The 12-Month Premium Membership is normally $200… NOW $120. That’s half the price of paying monthly for the year. Join here: https://photobizx.com/holidayspecial This is the lowest price you’ll ever find for a 12-month PhotoBizX Premium Membership. And this year, there’s an extra bonus. I’ll also be adding a series of photography business courses to the 12-month Premium Membership, giving annual members access to even more training, resources and support inside PhotoBizX, including: Photography Pricing Masterclass Build a Photography Website that WORKS! Boost Your Website’s UX and SEO AI Marketing for Photographers The Facebook Ad Promo Course Lead Ads Training for Photographers Facebook Competitions for Photographers LinkedIn for Photographers Qualify Your Leads Like a Pro Sell Your Photography Like a Pro Sales Success Course The Model Framework for Photographers Beyond SEO Unlocking Joy & Fun in Your Business SPECIAL BONUS FOR EXISTING MONTHLY MEMBERS If you’re currently paying monthly and want to upgrade to the 12-month Premium Membership, you’ll not only save half of what you’re currently paying over the year… I’ll also refund your most recent $20 monthly payment. To process the refund, please email me your PayPal email address, which may be different from your regular email address. Make sure you join the 12-month membership first, then cancel your existing monthly payments. This way, your Premium RSS Feed URL stays the same. NOTE: If you are already on the special annual price from last year, there is no need for you to take any action. Your existing membership will automatically renew at the special price. And you will get access to the courses being added too. iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons. Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome! Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show. Commitment means it’s not a hobby. This is it. This is your focus. You’re 110% committed to what you’re doing. – North Sullivan 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 or https://photobizx.com/google . You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help me and the show. 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 re...