Podcast Archives - Christa Rene Photography

How to Book More of the Right Client

Christa — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 16:45:57 +0000

Summary

In this conversation, Christa discusses the importance of identifying and attracting ideal clients in the photography business. She emphasizes the need for photographers to shift their mindset from trying to cater to everyone to focusing on a specific target audience. By understanding their ideal client, photographers can create a sustainable business model that allows them to charge appropriately and avoid burnout. Christa also shares strategies for building connections with other businesses and utilizing marketing techniques to attract the right clientele.

Takeaways

Photographers should not aim to be for everyone.
Identifying your ideal client is crucial for business growth.
Your ideal client may change over time.
A higher-level CEO mindset is essential for sustainability.
Raising prices can lead to losing some clients, but it’s necessary.
Curate your portfolio to attract your ideal clients.
Engage with past clients to understand your ideal audience better.
Collaborate with local businesses to reach new clients.
Consistent content is key to attracting ideal clients.
SEO strategies can help you connect with your target audience.

The post How to Book More of the Right Client appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

What if my clients only want digitals?

Christa — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 15:21:59 +0000

LISTEN HERE!

Summary

In this conversation, Christa discusses the common misconception that clients only desire digital images from photographers. She shares her journey of transitioning to a full-service photography model, emphasizing the importance of educating clients about the value of physical products. Christa highlights the need for photographers to guide clients through the selection process, ensuring they understand the benefits of investing in tangible memories. She also outlines her approach to creating a sustainable business model that allows photographers to provide high-quality service while maintaining profitability.

Takeaways

Clients often desire more than just digital images.
Sales should focus on sharing value, not being pushy.
Educating clients on options is crucial for their decision-making.
Busy clients need guidance in choosing products.
Physical products help clients relive meaningful moments.
Photographers should structure their offerings to include products.
Guiding clients through the process enhances their experience.
Every client should walk away with a product they value.
A sustainable business model allows for higher income with fewer shoots.
Educating clients leads to better sales outcomes.

The post What if my clients only want digitals? appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

How this mom of 3 added $100k to her income

Christa — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 17:28:18 +0000

Listen Here!

Summary

Michelle, a successful photographer and busy mom of three, shares her journey of transitioning from shoot and burn photography to offering full-service photography with in-person sales. She talks about the challenges she faced, the mindset shift she had to make, and the positive impact it had on her business and family life. Michelle emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family and finding a balance that works for you. She also highlights the value of mindset work and the support she received from the uncapped program. Michelle’s story is an inspiration for photographers who are considering making a similar shift in their business.

Takeaways

Transitioning from shoot and burn photography to full-service with in-person sales can have a positive impact on both your business and family life.
It’s important to prioritize family and find a balance that works for you.
Having the right mindset and belief in the value of your services is crucial for success.
Seeking support and guidance from programs like uncapped can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the transition more effectively.

Thanks for listening! We’d LOVE if you left us a review!
Connect with Christa on Instagram HERE!
Enjoy a free 20-min training on adding $50k in income from products HERE!
Apply for Uncapped HERE!

The post How this mom of 3 added $100k to her income appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Audrey went from burnt out wedding photographer to a $2500 portrait average

Christa — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 16:49:39 +0000

Join us live for a FREE 2-day workshop on August 27 & 28 where we will be sharing how you can add up to $20k to your photography income this Fall! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (we will send the replay after!)

LISTEN HERE

Summary

In this conversation, Christa interviews Audrey Grace, a photographer with 14 years of experience. Audrey shares her journey in the industry and how she has specialized in wedding and newborn photography. She discusses the challenges of balancing her photography business with being a mom and the need for a change in her business model. Audrey talks about her decision to offer products and albums and the initial fear of rejection from clients. She shares how working with Christa and implementing a new business model has tripled her profits and allowed her to spend more time with her family. Audrey’s average portrait session rate has increased from $500-$690 to $2000, and her newborn portrait average is now $2900. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and not feeling guilty when she is working or spending time with her children. The conversation concludes with Audrey sharing her Instagram handle for those interested in connecting with her.

Check out Audrey on Instagram @audreygracephoto

Takeaways

Balancing a photography business with being a mom can be challenging, and it’s important to find a business model that supports both.
Offering products and albums can be a profitable addition to a photography business, even if the photographer is not comfortable with sales.
Implementing a new business model can lead to increased profits and more time with family.
Setting boundaries and not feeling guilty when working or spending time with family is crucial for work-life balance.

The post Audrey went from burnt out wedding photographer to a $2500 portrait average appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Why I Quit “Shoot and Burn” and Never Looked Back

Christa — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 17:02:24 +0000

LISTEN HERE!

Summary

In this episode, Christa discusses why she switched from shoot and burn photography to full-service photography and never looked back. She emphasizes the importance of looking at the numbers and setting clear goals to achieve financial success. Christa also highlights the value of building relationships with clients and the satisfaction that comes from providing a personalized experience. She explains how being full-service gave her the freedom to charge her worth and be more intentional with her bookings. Additionally, Christa shares the exponential growth she experienced after transitioning to full-service and the mindset shift that occurred.

Takeaways

Consider the financial benefits of being full-service and set clear goals to achieve financial success.
Building relationships with clients and providing a personalized experience can bring fulfillment and create a strong connection.
Being full-service allows for the freedom to charge your worth and be more intentional with bookings.
Transitioning to full-service can lead to exponential growth and a positive mindset shift.
Full-service photography provides the opportunity to have photos displayed in clients’ homes and creates a sense of fulfillment.

Thanks for listening! We’d LOVE if you left us a review!
Connect with Christa on Instagram HERE!
Enjoy a free 20-min training on adding $50k in income from products HERE!
Apply for Uncapped HERE!

The post Why I Quit “Shoot and Burn” and Never Looked Back appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Motherhood & Business

Christa — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 16:59:39 +0000

LISTEN HERE!

Summary
In this conversation, Christa shares her personal experiences and challenges of balancing motherhood and business. She emphasizes that there is no perfect balance and that each person’s journey will look different. She discusses the importance of finding what works well for oneself and not feeling the need to justify one’s choices. Christa also talks about the recovery from her C-section and the support she received from her husband and students. She highlights the significance of having close friends who can provide encouragement and advice, as well as seeking guidance from those who have already navigated the journey of motherhood and business. Christa also touches on the importance of self-care, clear communication with one’s spouse, and being present in the moment with her baby.

Takeaways

There is no perfect balance between motherhood and business, and each person’s journey will look different.
Finding what works well for oneself and not feeling the need to justify one’s choices is important.
Having close friends who can provide encouragement and advice is invaluable.
Seeking guidance from those who have already navigated the journey of motherhood and business can be helpful.
Taking care of oneself is essential for being a better business owner and mother.
Clear communication with one’s spouse is important for managing expectations and needs.
Being present in the moment with one’s baby is a valuable experience.
Self-reflection and self-awareness are key in finding a balance that works for oneself.

Thanks for listening! We’d LOVE if you left us a review!
Connect with Christa on Instagram HERE!
Enjoy a free 20-min training on adding $50k in income from products HERE!
Apply for Uncapped HERE!

The post Motherhood & Business appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

How I went from a $35k to a $350k Photographer

Christa — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 23:02:47 +0000

LISTEN HERE!

In this episode, Christa shares her journey from earning $35K to $350K as a photographer. She emphasizes the importance of not staying small and stuck in your photography business and highlights the expenses and costs involved in running a photography business. Christa discusses the need to practice and improve your photography skills and the importance of building relationships with clients. She also talks about the challenges she faced and the mindset shifts she made to achieve financial success. Christa explains how she transitioned from shoot and burn to offering products and shares her strategies for attracting clients who value and are willing to invest in photography.

Takeaways

You don’t have to stay small and stuck in your photography business. There is a better way to achieve financial success.
Running a photography business involves significant expenses and costs that need to be considered.
Practicing and improving your photography skills is essential for growth and success.
Building relationships with clients is crucial for a successful photography business.
Transitioning from shoot and burn to offering products can lead to increased income and client satisfaction.
Attracting clients who value and are willing to invest in photography is key to financial success.

Thanks for listening! We’d LOVE if you left us a review!
Connect with Christa on Instagram HERE!
Enjoy a free 20-min training on adding $50k in income from products HERE!
Apply for Uncapped HERE!

The post How I went from a $35k to a $350k Photographer appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

How I hit $10k+ weddings without being “luxury”

Christa — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 23:40:17 +0000

LISTEN HERE!

In this episode, Christa shares her journey of getting past $10K weddings as a photographer. She emphasizes the importance of valuing all clients, regardless of their budget, and building relationships with them. Christa discusses five key points for stepping into the high-end wedding space, including realizing that luxury doesn’t necessarily mean high prices, increasing rates, becoming product-focused, being open to shifting your business, and valuing relationships with clients. She also highlights the potential of adding portrait sessions to increase income and serve clients better.

Takeaways

Value all clients and build relationships with them, regardless of their budget.
Realize that luxury doesn’t always mean high prices.
Increase rates to reflect the value you provide and avoid burnout.
Become product-focused within weddings to add value and increase income.
Be open to shifting your business and reevaluating your goals.
Consider adding portrait sessions to increase income and serve clients better.

Thanks for listening! We’d LOVE if you left us a review!
Connect with Christa on Instagram HERE!
Enjoy a free 20-min training on adding $50k in income from products HERE!

The post How I hit $10k+ weddings without being “luxury” appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Navigating Fears as a Growing Photographer with Julia Woods

Christa — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 23:36:46 +0000

LISTEN HERE!

In this conversation, Christa interviews Julia, her former business coach and current relationship transformation coach. They discuss the fears that arise when making changes in business, the importance of having a clear vision, and how to love and serve clients by offering more. Julia also shares her journey from being a photography coach to becoming a relationship coach, emphasizing the significance of the relationship we have with ourselves in all aspects of life. They provide valuable insights and practical tips for listeners to overcome mindset blocks and create meaningful connections in their businesses and relationships.

Takeaways

Fear is a gift that calls us to wisdom and helps us recognize the need for help and guidance.
Having a clear vision and aiming for what we truly desire can help us overcome fears and achieve our goals.
Listening to our clients and understanding their needs and desires can lead to offering valuable services and products.
The relationship we have with ourselves sets the tone for every other relationship we have.
Building a successful business should not come at the expense of our relationships; it is important to be intentional and create space for connection.

Thanks for listening! We’d LOVE if you left us a review!
Connect with Christa on Instagram HERE!
Enjoy a free 20-min training on adding $50k in income from products HERE!

The post Navigating Fears as a Growing Photographer with Julia Woods appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Skyrocket Your Photo Business’s Online Presence | SEO With Krista Jones

Christa — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 23:32:43 +0000

LISTEN HERE!

SEO can seem very complicated for so many of us, but it doesn’t have to be! My special guest, Krista Jones, a brand strategist and designer, is covering everything you need to know about SEO and website optimization for growing photographers.

During our conversation, Krista emphasizes the importance of having a website to establish credibility and to create trust. She also explains some of the best ways to help you get found in Google searches, like leveraging keywords and blogging, along with promoting your blog on different platforms to drive traffic to your website.

Krista shares the services she offers, including website templates and personalized design services, which can be tailored to both new and established photographers who are looking to enhance their online presence and attract more inquiries.

In this episode, we chat about:

If every established photographer should have a website
The benefits of having a website that you can’t get from a social media account
How Krista and Davey support those who don’t have the budget for a complete website design
Why photographers should be blogging and what we need to add to our blogs to make it worth it
Different ways to drive traffic to our blog
The key things everyone should have on their websites
Choosing the right domain

SHOW NOTES: https://christarenephotography.com/skyrocket-your-photo-businesss-online-presence-seo-with-krista-jones/

Connect with Krista:

Website: daveyandkrista.com

Instagram: @‌daveyandkrista

Showit SEO Course

WordPress SEO Course

Canva social graphics (to make promoting new content easier!)

Special code: Christa25 for 25% off a design in our shop (limited time)

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website

Greenville, SC Wedding & Portrait Photographer | Christa Rene

Thanks for listening! We’d LOVE if you left us a review!
Connect with Christa on Instagram HERE!
Enjoy a free 20-min training on adding $50k in income from products HERE!

The post Skyrocket Your Photo Business’s Online Presence | SEO With Krista Jones appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Make an Extra $40k+ By Offering Quality Products- Interview with RedTree Albums

Christa — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 23:24:12 +0000

LISTEN HERE!

In this conversation, Christa interviews Whitney, the marketing director for RedTree Albums, a company that specializes in high-quality albums and prints. Whitney shares the story of how RedTree Albums started and emphasizes the importance of printing photos in the digital age. They discuss the value of printed images, both for photographers and their clients, and how offering printed products can be financially beneficial for photographers. Whitney also explains the different products and customizations that RedTree Albums offers, and encourages photographers to show their clients physical samples to help sell the value of printed images.

Takeaways

Printing photos is a way to ensure that images are not forgotten on digital devices and can be passed down through generations.
Offering printed products can be financially beneficial for photographers, with some photographers making an extra $40,000 a year or more.
RedTree Albums offers a variety of high-quality products, including flush mount albums, fine art albums, matted print boxes, and matted folio albums.
Showing physical samples to clients and allowing them to experience the quality of printed images can help sell the value of printed products.
Photographers can sign up for a RedTree account and access pricing and product information on the RedTree Albums website.

See RedTree’s Instagram HERE.
Join RedTree to access their products HERE.

Thanks for listening! We’d LOVE if you left us a review!
Connect with Christa on Instagram HERE!
Enjoy a free 20-min training on adding $50k in income from products HERE!

The post Make an Extra $40k+ By Offering Quality Products- Interview with RedTree Albums appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Skyrocket Your Photo Business’s Online Presence | SEO With Krista Jones

Christa — Fri, 24 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

In this episode, we chat about:

If every established photographer should have a website
The benefits of having a website that you can’t get from a social media account
How Krista and Davey support those who don’t have the budget for a complete website design
Why photographers should be blogging and what we need to add to our blogs to make it worth it
Different ways to drive traffic to our blog
The key things everyone should have on their websites
Choosing the right domain

More about Krista

Krista Jones and her husband Davey are brand strategists and designers who help creatives build brands that book.

After building a successful photography business and launching the Rising Tide Society, one of the largest communities for creatives in the world, they decided to make helping creatives build brands that book their full-time gig.

They believe in chasing hard after an intentional life—one that includes fulfilling work, palm trees and blue skies, time with their sons Jack & Bennett, and—of course—wine and pizza.

They are here to help you as you build a brand that books so you can chase after the life you want.

Connect with Krista

Website: daveyandkrista.com
Instagram: @‌daveyandkrista
Showit SEO Course
WordPress SEO Course
Canva social graphics (to make promoting new content easier!)
Special code: Christa25 for 25% off a design in our shop (limited time)

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

The Uncapped Photographer Podcast is a podcast for established photographers teaching them how to uncap their offerings and setup in their photography business without the burnout. Every other week, Christa Rene Robinson will share the clear and concise actions you need to take to grow your photography business. This is the info she WISH someone had told her much, much sooner that would have allowed her to grow even FASTER!

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

Christa is a wife, mom, and photographer turned business coach with 10 years of experience in the industry. If you’d like to connect or work with Christa, reach out to her on Instagram @‌christa_rene. You can also learn more about her on her website https://christarenephotography.com.

The post Skyrocket Your Photo Business’s Online Presence | SEO With Krista Jones appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Jessie Modlin’s Path to Photography Success

Christa — Fri, 10 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

Today, I’m welcoming one of my friends and students that I’ve had the joy of coaching over the past year, Jessie Modlin, of Jessie Modlin Photography. She has grown her business exponentially and is sharing her journey of where she was and where she is now.

Jessie opens up about how she started photography as a side project at her previous job at a non-profit and became a full-time successful wedding photographer. She discusses how she transitioned from doing shoot-and-burn to offering high-value, customized services where she also added in prints and albums, and how this helped her balance her work and family life better.

Additionally, Jessie introduces her new and exciting offer, Family Chronicles, which is a done-for-you service that creates annual family photos taken throughout the year.

In this episode, we chat about:

The transition from corporate to pursuing photography
How Jessie grew her wedding photography business by adding products
The importance of having a high level of service for our clients
The impact of adding prints and albums to your services, and how to share their value to your clients
Jessie’s advice for those photographers who are nervous about adding in prints and products
How Jessie serves her clients throughout the entire wedding process
Shifting out of shoot-and-burn
Family Chronicles – A Family Yearbook

Connect with Jessie

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post Jessie Modlin’s Path to Photography Success appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

When to Invest in Coaching | Christa & Morgan

Christa — Sat, 04 May 2024 19:24:16 +0000

LISTEN HERE.

In this conversation, Christa and Morgan discuss the importance of investing in coaching and mentorship to grow a successful photography business. They emphasize the need for guidance and support in navigating the challenges of the industry. They also highlight the benefits of transitioning from a shoot and burn model to a full-service approach, which allows for higher income potential and greater client satisfaction. The conversation touches on the mindset shift required to view photography as a business and the importance of understanding and tracking financials. They also discuss the freedom and opportunities that come with building a successful photography business, including the ability to explore other income streams and pursue new ventures.

Takeaways

Thanks for listening! We’d LOVE if you left us a review!
Connect with Christa on Instagram HERE!
Enjoy a free 20-min training on adding $50k in income from products HERE!

The post When to Invest in Coaching | Christa & Morgan appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Setting Boundaries in Your Photography Business

Christa — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

If you’ve ever felt like clients have taken advantage of you, requested more than you’re comfortable giving, or haven’t respected your professionalism, you are not alone. I’ve also been there, and I want to address this topic and give you some easy tips to help alleviate these challenges.

When we are faced with these situations, it’s important to take responsibility and consider proactive measures to prevent them from happening again. Setting clear boundaries, adopting a CEO mindset, and enhancing your client experience are all key steps to fostering a positive client relationship and building a sustainable business, and today we are diving into each of these strategies.

Take yourself seriously

It’s a game-changer when you as a photographer start viewing yourself as the CEO of your business. Whether you’re a one-woman show or not, you’re still running a business, and people will only take you as seriously as you take yourself.

If you aren’t taking yourself seriously, it can be really easy to start opening those doors where clients are able to push past your boundaries. So, having this shift in perspective ensures that you act confidently, make decisions with authority, and communicate with clients clearly and assertively.

The power of communication

A pivotal aspect of managing client relationships is communication. One of the biggest things I want to encourage you to do is keep all of your communication in one spot, preferably via email. Doing this not only keeps everything professional but also gives you a place to have a clear, written record of all of your interactions.

The other thing I want to add about communication is that we need to set those expectations up correctly at the front end. If we don’t let our clients know our process or how to communicate with us, they truly don’t know when they can communicate with you or how. A simple, yet effective way to do this is by crafting an email signature that includes your business hours and even setting up a vacation responder when you’re out of town or know you won’t be able to respond as quickly as you usually do. These small details manage client expectations and reinforce the boundaries you’ve set.

Scheduling and limitations

I am a huge proponent of scheduling your limits: when you want to have meetings, when you want to book, when you want to be working, when you’re going to be emailing.

For example, if I’m typing up an email, I’m not going to schedule it at 10 pm if that’s not a time I want to communicate with my clients. That email is going to be scheduled for the morning, otherwise, that’s going to set the expectation that my clients can reach out to me late at night.

Scheduling these things ahead of time helps maintain your work-life balance and upholds a professional image. I like to use a scheduling tool like Calendly. It can be so invaluable for managing meetings and client touchpoints, and ensures that every interaction is intentional and well-organized.

Build a business model that serves clients well

If you scale to any heights, you’re going to have frustrating client situations, no matter what type of business owner you are, and that’s why it’s really important to make sure you’re serving your clients really well.

There are people who will pay high prices, but the level of service needs to come with that. Am I saying you need to be available for those clients 24/7? No, but you need to be able to serve them well. That’s where those high-paying clients come in and that’s where those referrals come in.

I want my clients to know that they are going to be taken care of. I want them to have a memorable experience and to know that I value this just as much as they do.

By establishing clear boundaries, enhancing your client interactions, and adopting a CEO mindset, you can create a thriving environment for your clients.

In this episode, we chat about:

Why it’s important to avoid complaining about clients and shifting blame on them
Taking yourself seriously as a business owner and viewing yourself as the CEO of your business
The role of communication in managing the client experience
Scheduling and setting limitations
The importance of serving your clients well

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post Setting Boundaries in Your Photography Business appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

How Nicole Tripled Her Photo Income as a Mom

Christa — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

Are you wondering if it’s possible to build a photography business as a mom? I’m so excited to share my conversation with Nicole Watford. She is a former teacher turned photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and baby’s first year based in Columbia, South Carolina. Nicole is a mom of 2 and has built her business alongside motherhood

During our conversation, Nicole shares her transition from teaching to photography, as well as balancing business with motherhood and her evolution into a full-service photography model.

Nicole talks about the success she’s had increasing her revenue while being able to serve fewer clients and, in turn, give them a higher experience. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers, setting long-term goals, and aligning your business with your personal values, especially in motherhood. For Nicole, this meant making intentional choices that aligned with her family goals and allowed her to build a business that valued time with her family above anything else.

Nicole’s story is a reminder that if you’re willing to stay focused and stay true to yourself and your values, you can create a business that supports your dreams and your family.

In this episode, we chat about:

Nicole’s journey going from teacher to photographer
Where she started with her pricing and offerings and what her business looks like now with full-service
The importance of knowing your numbers
Nicole’s advice on if you’re feeling stuck

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Episode 10 – $300 Photographers vs. $3K Photographers

Connect with Nicole

Instagram: @nicolewatfordphotography

Website: nicolewatfordphotography.com

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post How Nicole Tripled Her Photo Income as a Mom appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Strategies for Overcoming Burnout in Photography

Christa — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

Burnout is a huge buzzword we hear often in our industry, so I want to talk about what burnout really is. First and foremost, I want to say this: burnout is not sustainable. If you’re currently in a season of burnout, something has to change.

What burnout looks like

There are some pretty common ways in which burnout may look for you. It could be that you’re overbooked. Maybe you’re editing all the time. You have major anxiety whenever you open your email or get a notification on your phone because you’re just doing so much work. It’s almost like you’re burning the candle at both ends.

While this is the classic type of photography burnout, there are other types as well. Maybe you’re running the kids around town because they have different activities and even just one shoot a week is pushing you over the limit.

Another form of burnout could be that cash isn’t coming in. You feel burnt out because you’re doing all of this stuff to market your business trying to get X amount of shoots, but you’re not actively making any money.

How to avoid burnout

Find your goals

Goals are going to look different for everyone. And this can be hard especially with social media, because we can see someone doing one thing and we feel like we have to do that too, but that’s not the case. What someone else is doing is not necessarily what you need to be focusing on.

It’s important to figure out what success looks like for you this year. What do you need to do? Is it a number you need to hit? Is it a lifestyle?

Run the numbers so you know what it takes to hit those goals

Let’s say you want to hit 6 figures and you want to do $50,000 in weddings, but you only want to do 10 weddings. You know you need to book an average of $5k per wedding. The other $50k may come from portraits, which means you’re bringing in a little over $4k from portrait sessions each month. So, then you have to figure out how many portrait sessions you think you can do in a month.

Invest in education to help you get to your goals

Once you figure this out, the next thing may be to hire someone who can help you fast-track your goals. I will say that there was a huge pivotal point when I hired my first coach. I had someone holding me accountable in order to hit the goals I had. There’s so much we can learn from people who have gone ahead of us.

I want to encourage you that if you are feeling burnt out, you are not alone, but I promise that you don’t have to stay there. The beauty of building your own business is that you get to build it with your rules. It’s possible to create a business that not only succeeds but also brings you joy and fulfillment.

In this episode, we chat about:

What burnout actually looks like
Some of the more common and less common forms of burnout in the photography industry
Why you need to be clear on your goals
The importance of running your numbers
Investing in education to fast-track your success

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post Strategies for Overcoming Burnout in Photography appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Building a Thriving Photography Business: A Conversation with Morgan Leatherwood

Christa — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

I’m so excited because I have one of my best friends, Morgan Leatherwood on the podcast today! Morgan is a former teacher turned photographer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the force behind Morgan Amanda Photography. She started off as a wedding photographer and has since stepped away to focus primarily on small business branding and family portraits in her studio. Beyond being a photographer,, she also hosts 2 podcasts, Queen City Connect and Love That For You.

During our conversation, Morgan shares her journey of going full-time in her photography business, and how she was able to make that transition away from a shoot-and-burn photographer to offering her clients a deeper, more valuable experience.

She also emphasizes the importance of knowing your worth and setting your business up in a way that helps you serve your clients effectively. It’s important to put yourself in a position where you align your values with what you are offering, so you don’t get burnt out. And while it can be hard to do that, it’s so worth it!

She shares the significance of networking, with a genuine interest in getting to know the people you are connecting with. Morgan discusses her experiences with reaching out to different small businesses, meeting up with them for coffee, and how these casual conversations turned into real friendships. It’s a reminder that you never know what connections you can make if you choose to put yourself out there.

Morgan ends with this advice if you’re feeling stuck as a shoot-and-burn photographer: See that you are doing great work. You have put a lot of effort into being where you are today. You are worth so much more than you think you are. It is possible to create a sustainable business that both aligns with your values and serves your clients well.

In this episode, we chat about:

Morgan’s journey into photography
The growth she made from hiring a coach
Making the shift from photographer to businesswoman
How Morgan built connections when she moved to a new city
Transitioning from shoot-and-burn photographer to full-service photographer
Providing an incredible client experience
Charging your worth

Connect with Morgan

IG: @‌morganamandaphotography

Facebook: Morgan Amanda Photography

Website: morganamandaphotography.com

Podcasts: Love That For You and Queen City Connect

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post Building a Thriving Photography Business: A Conversation with Morgan Leatherwood appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

$300 Photographers vs. $3k Photographers

Christa — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

What’s the difference between a $300 photographer and a $3k photographer?

Let’s start with the $300 photographer. This is what you would call a shoot-and-burn photographer. The client reaches out to you, you shoot your details and pricing over, they book the session, show up, and you send them on their way with an online gallery. Once that is complete, their experience is done and they are out the door.

Moving onto the $3k photographer. They often get to this point with upselling. The client typically comes in at a certain price, then they can buy as much as they want afterward, and each image they purchase is being paid special attention to.

So, I’m going to go into more detail and walk you through the differences between these two photographers.

I want to start off by saying this – I was there doing $300 sessions for a while, so I don’t share this to make anyone feel bad. Honestly, you should be really proud of yourself for getting to this point in your business, but if you want to run a sustainable business that provides a good income, you can’t stay in this place.

I’m going to break this down for you by numbers starting with the $300 photographer. Let’s say you want to his $60k a year. Keep in mind, this does not mean you pay yourself $60k. This is the money coming into your business before expenses, taxes, paying yourself, or anything else that comes out.

So, $60k a year would be $5k a month before expenses. If you’re charging $300 for a shoot, that’s 16.5 shoots per month to hit your goal. When will you go on vacation? When will you reschedule due to illness or bad weather? It’s not very sustainable, right?

One thing about $300 photographers is they don’t know their numbers very well, and I say this because I didn’t either. I didn’t know how many shoots I would have to take on to hit my income goals. If you want to make your business sustainable, you eventually have to dig into that.

Another thing about $300 photography is that they don’t often track what they’re actually making an hour when all of their costs come out. Your mileage, gas, wear and tear on your camera, editing, uploading the gallery, marketing – it all comes into play, and when you look at what’s left per hour after costs are taken out, it’s not very much.

Something else that is true for $300 photographers is they can only offer so much of an experience to their clients. They don’t have the bandwidth financially to gift their clients anything extra or spend extra time with them. Their time is very limited, and they can often get burnt out because of how much they have to take on.

Let’s change the script and talk about $3k photographers. These photographers do know their numbers and do know what they need to book. They really only need 2 sessions a month.

Something else about 3k photographers is they know they are not the photographer for everyone, and that’s fine because they don’t want to book sessions every other day. Because they can be strategic with who they work with, they can make so much more per session and scale their income much faster.

If you’re thinking that your current clientele would never spend over $1k with you on a portrait session, I want to encourage you with a few things.

Some of your clients might have actually spent that money, but you weren’t offering it to them. They literally didn’t have the option with you.
It’s okay if not everyone switches over with you. You want to have the space to serve your clients well, and you won’t be able to if you’re taking on a lot of $300 sessions.
My easiest clients were the ones that invested so much in me because they trusted me and they wanted to be taken care of. They knew I had a solid portrait process in place where I would help them every single step of the way, so they didn’t need to worry about anything.

I want to leave you with a few things:

View yourself as a business owner and then a photographer. There’s a reason why I have students with lesser fine work than others having killer sales because the work isn’t the issue. It really comes down to the business, so make sure you put your business hat on and look at your numbers.
If you want to make a change, find someone who’s been there and done that to help fast-track it for you. The main reason I have been successful is because I invested in education and each of those investments has helped me fast-track my success.

When you uncap your sessions, the sky is the limit. When you’re able to offer this incredible service to your clients, you can uncap your portrait sessions in both the amount you bring in and how much you book.

In this episode, we chat about:

What a $300 photographer looks like
The upselling strategy of $3k photographers
The importance of knowing your numbers
Challenges of being a $300 photographer
Viewing yourself as a business owner first and then a photographer

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post $300 Photographers vs. $3k Photographers appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

From $500 to $5k: Liz Nord’s Journey Adding in $1-5K Portrait Sessions to Her Wedding Business

Christa — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to focus on wedding photography while seamlessly adding in portrait sessions, then let me tell you – it is! Today, I have successful high-end wedding and portrait photographer, Elizabeth (Liz) Nord who is based in Jackson, Tennessee. She is a past student of mine and she shares how she went from charging $500 per session to having a $5k portrait sale on her FIRST sale offering products.

We dive into the significance of providing full-service photography and the impact of offering prints, albums, and wall art rather than just digitals. Liz also emphasizes the importance of personal touchpoints, having an individualized approach, and the importance of offering clients a personalized, stress-free experience.

She also shares how her business has grown financially, increasing her income from $75k in 2022 to an amazing $125k in 2023, while only shooting 8 weddings due to the strategic addition of full-service portrait sessions.

This episode is sure to inspire you on the transformative possibilities within the realm of wedding and portrait photography!

In this episode, we chat about:

Liz’s journey going from $500 sessions to $5k sessions
The connections she’s been able to make with her portrait clients
Making the shift from shoot and burn to doing portrait sessions
How Liz got to ball rolling with her marketing when she made this transition
How she’s able to stand out in her industry
Liz’s advice to those who want to transition to products, but aren’t sure if they’re ready
The incredible growth Liz has made in her business

Connect with Liz

Weddings Instagram: @‌elizabethnordphoto
Portraits Instagram: @‌elizabethnordstudio
Website: Elizabeth Nord Photography

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post From $500 to $5k: Liz Nord’s Journey Adding in $1-5K Portrait Sessions to Her Wedding Business appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Outsourcing Tips to Scale Your Photography Business

Christa — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

Have you been thinking about outsourcing, but not exactly sure what you should outsource or how to even start the process? I’m sharing the exact steps I took when I began to outsource, and what I decided to take off of my plate.

What’s going to move the needle forward?

The very first thing you need to do is to figure out what is actually moving the needle forward in your business. If you’re not sure, take a look at where your top clients have been coming from. And if you’re not sure, be sure to have that as a question in your contact form. Knowing this will help you figure out what marketing efforts are working for you.

One of the reasons we outsource in the first place is so we can have more time back, so how amazing would it be if we not only outsourced the things that needed to actually be done, but we stopped doing the fluff things that really aren’t moving the needle forward?

Here’s an exercise I want you to try – write down literally every single thing you’re doing in your business, both big and small. Then, circle the things only YOU can do, and this is going to be super eye-opening. Now, we are going to take it a step further – underline the things that are bringing income into your business and moving the needle forward. The other thing I want you to do is look at that list, and see if there’s anything that can be eliminated.

I understand that it can be hard to imagine anyone else doing these tasks. I mean, our businesses are like our babies, but what I realized from not outsourcing is that I was holding myself back in my business by not clearing these things off of my plate because I didn’t have as much time for the things that were moving the needle.

How to outsource the things that are moving the needle forward

Hire someone on

This is probably someone we would bring on as a subcontractor to start and we train them. This is great for small admin tasks. When I got to a point where I needed a lot of help, I hired an amazing assistant who helped me with appointment setting and sending out emails. I showed her how to do everything and she was able to handle those tasks for me.

Hire an agency

Unlike bringing someone in-house, when you hire an agency that specializes in a certain task, you can add someone to your team who knows something that may not be your strong point. For example, I don’t know how to design a website, so I outsourced that and it got done so much faster and better than I could’ve ever done it!

Automate things

There are a ton of great resources out there, like Imagine AI for editing.

What I outsourced first

As a photographer, a great place to start is editing. We spend a ton of time editing, so whether it’s Imagine AI or you want the personalized touch of an actual editor, that’s a great thing to get off your plate. I know you may not think someone else can do it like you, but I promise your clients won’t notice if something is slightly different than how you would normally do it. And you can always check it and send it on, but you’re doing yourself a disservice if you’re just sitting there editing rather than finding better ways to serve them.

Now, as you’re growing, you will notice that some of those admin tasks are taking up a lot of time. Even if sending an email doesn’t seem to take long, it adds up and takes away from focusing on your business. This can be the scariest step for photographers, but bringing someone in a few hours a week to do admin tasks is HUGE!

When it comes to automating, look at your CRM and see what you can do. For example, I love Calendly because it sends my clients reminders about their sessions and meetings with me, so I don’t have to remember to send out reminders because Calendly automatically does that for me.

One of the things that moves the needle in my business is clients finding me on Google, so I started to blog regularly so I could have a good SEO presence. I trained someone to do that for me. And while you may think, “Well, Christa, you aren’t writing that yourself,” the clients that have booked me didn’t book me for what the blog post said, they booked me because they found me online, so I’m not going to spend that time and effort writing a blog post when they probably aren’t reading the whole thing.

Where to start with outsourcing

Start with an application form to send out, and there are a few things you should look for:

Decide if it needs to be in person or remote.
Look for someone who is willing to grow with you. Let them know it starts off small, but there’s room for growth both in hours and income.
Have them submit a 2-3 minute video on why they should get the job. This gives you the chance to see if you resonate with their personality.

Post this application wherever you can, and then chat with the top 3. Someone might look awesome on paper, but maybe when you talk to them, you learn they may not be a good fit. Or vice versa. You may see that they missed a few things on their application, but you chat with them and realize they would be a perfect fit.

If you bring someone on, do a paid 30-day trial period so you can truly see if both you and them feel like it’s the right fit.

I do believe that as you grow and scale, you should have someone to take these things off your plate. Yes, a lot of things can be automated, but what has made my business so powerful is that personal touch of being there to help my clients. And it’s given me so much time back. I promise that you will not regret taking that first step in clearing more off your plate.

In this episode, we chat about:

Thinking about the things that move the needle forward in your business
How to outsource those needle-moving tasks
What I decided to outsource first
Where to begin with the application process

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post Outsourcing Tips to Scale Your Photography Business appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Why Your Online Gallery Sales Are So Low

Christa — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

Are you spending a ton of time doing shoot and burn sessions, sharing your online gallery, only to see minimal results? While your clients have the option to purchase from your online gallery, many are not, So let’s dig into this issue a bit.

When I initially started with photography, I would shoot a session, send the clients the online gallery, and then if they wanted to print anything from the session, they could do so from there. If they wanted something I wasn’t offering, I’d refer them to another company.

I soon realized that I wasn’t serving my clients in the best possible way that I could. In fact, I was doing a disservice by not helping them. So, why were they not ordering from the online gallery?

First of all, your clients are overwhelmed. They have no idea what they need, what’s going to print well, or what’s going to frame well. They often aren’t familiar with the process of getting products done, so they resort to digital downloads to share on social media and then stop there. Even if you have clients who haven’t purchased prints or products from your online gallery before, that doesn’t mean they don’t actually want them – they just need guidance.

The other part of this is that they don’t know the value of having prints because they don’t have an expert explaining it to them, and this is where you come in. You get to be the expert to guide them through the value of having their photos in their homes.

‌

So, how can we change this? You can still run sales for your online gallery. It’s completely passive income. I have an online gallery, Pic-Time that I deliver images in, and you can get a free month using my link. This is also a great way to collect email addresses so when you have sales, you can blast out those online gallery sales for the holidays.

But that’s still not enough. When I talk about making money from products, I’m talking about making 6 figures in products, and online gallery sales are not going to get you there. Having the client figure it out on their own won’t get you there.

Having a conversation about products even before the session occurs is essential. Ask them about the purpose of the session, the value they see in it, and how they envision enjoying their photos. Do they want something big and beautiful on the wall in their home? Do they want an album that tells the whole story of the session? You can even consider going into their homes or having a video chat to learn about their space and suggest the best spots for their photos.

‌

Taking these steps will give your clients amazing products from their session, but also give you an awesome cash injection by offering this elevated service. You can achieve this without ever having past online gallery sales, without a studio, and even without prior sales experience. What you are doing is educating and sharing the value of products with your clients and guiding them from start to finish.

In this episode, we chat about:

My journey from only offering an online gallery to offering prints and products
The overwhelm clients feel when choosing prints on their own
How many clients lack the understanding of the value of prints and products
The importance of educating and guiding your clients through the whole process from beginning to end
How you can give your clients an elevated service

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Get a free month of Pic-Time!

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post Why Your Online Gallery Sales Are So Low appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Do THIS Before You Goal Set for 2024

Christa — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

One crucial practice I firmly believe every business owner needs to do at the end of the year is a comprehensive analysis. This involves not only looking back at your numbers but also reflecting on the things that brought you joy and those that didn’t.

Setting Mindset Goals

Let’s begin by addressing mindset. Before setting goals for 2024, it’s essential to look back at 2023. How did the year go? Do you want it to look the same? Do you want any sort of growth? What can you cut out and what can you add? And I’ll be honest, I’ve made attempts to move forward in a new year without doing this assessment, and I felt completely lost and unfocused.

So, how can we intentionally set goals for the new year? The first thing you should do is take a mental assessment. Think back to 2023 and write down the things that brought you joy in both your business and your personal life. If you had more of those in 2024, you would be happy.

Now, think about the things you did in 2023 that made your stomach drop, those things that gave you anxiety whenever you think about doing them. If you were able to cut those in 2024, would that be a positive change for you?

Next, I want you to think through who or what in your life helped you hit those things that brought you a lot of joy. It could be a certain circle of friends or people in the industry you’ve become close to. On the flip side of that, is there anyone that pulled you away from those things? Research shows that you become like the 5 closest people around you, so it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who are going to help propel you forward.

While conducting this assessment, you also need to take into account how you are feeling at the end of the year. Are you on fire or are you drained? How do you want to feel at the end of 2024? Do you want to feel the same as you do now? It’s important to do this because if we don’t change anything, why on earth would we expect 2024 to look any different?

Setting Financial Goals

As we think about mindset, we also have to look at numbers too. One of the reasons I love numbers so much is because numbers don’t lie. Regardless of how you’re feeling, the numbers are going to reveal how your business performed this year. I have a free Excel sheet to help guide you through this.

Let’s walk through this sheet together.

The first thing is to look at what you brought in gross for this year. This means before any expenses or taxes.
Next, categorize your income into different segments, whether it’s newborn, weddings, family, senior, etc.
Finally, put down the number of those shoots you did for each category.

This exercise is going to help you see how much you averaged per session in each category. It will highlight the areas where your higher-income shoots came from. Not only that, but it will help you understand how many shoots you need to do to reach your goal and if you are needing to charge more for any of those sessions.

So, as you are doing this goal-setting assessment, ensure that your goals align with you. Evaluate your numbers and mindset because having these in place before you set up your goals will help make them more attainable and achievable in 2024.

I am actually offering a free training in January on being able to set goals and being able to add in products to be able to up your session averages, and I would love for you to be part of it! If you’re interested in adding products to your sessions so you can grow your session average so you can take less, but actually make more, then this free training is for you. We are also going to be talking about clearly setting these goals and averages per session. Don’t worry because if you can’t make it, we will send out the replay. I hope to see you there!

In this episode, we chat about:

Why it’s necessary to do an analysis at the end of each year
Checking in on your mindset – How are you feeling? Are you full of energy or are you drained? What brought you joy this year? What gave you anxiety?
Evaluating your numbers – How much did you bring in? What shoots brought in the most income? What do you need to change for 2024?
A walk-through of the free Excel sheet

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post Do THIS Before You Goal Set for 2024 appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

When Do I Add in Products to My Business?

Christa — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

Are you contemplating the idea of introducing products to your photography business? I’m talking wall art, albums, prints, and things outside of the wedding gallery.

Offering products to your clients can have a huge impact on your business. From increased revenue to the ability to work with fewer clients, I’m sharing all of the reasons why I absolutely LOVE selling products to my clients.

And if you find yourself a bit hesitant about incorporating products, you’ve probably mentioned one of the objections I’m about to address in this episode. But don’t worry, because I’m busting those objections and telling you why you don’t need to be concerned!

WHY I LOVE OFFER PRODUCTS

I can serve my clients better

Let me start off by sharing why I love offering products. The first reason is because I am able to serve my clients so much better. In the years I’ve been photographing, I’ve had so many clients ask me where they can get things printed, and I would refer them somewhere else. I can’t even believe I did that! Another thing my clients would do is DIY it. They would get a cheap frame, print it from a place that wasn’t great quality, and they didn’t know the best way to place the pictures. Some clients just didn’t print at all!

I become more passionate about my job

Another reason I love offering products is because I became more passionate about my job. I know the images that I print for them are going to be in my clients’ home for them to see and enjoy each day. This made me become more passionate about documenting the legacy of my clients.

You don’t need as many clients

Something else that’s great about offering products is you don’t need as much clientele. You can take less clients and focus more on each client and their needs. Here’s an example – If you have a $400 average, and you look at how many shoots you need to take on to have a $5K month, it’s going to be a lot of shoots.

Instead, imagine you had a $1500 average, you could take on way less shoots and serve each of those clients so much more intentionally while hitting that monetary goal.

You can make a higher income

This leads into my last point of why I love offering products, and that’s the higher income. Before, when I was just sending a gallery and charging one price, hoping people would buy from that online gallery, my income was truly capped. Clients don’t buy much from the online gallery even if you run sales. It’s extra fun bonus money when it comes in, but I’m never anticipating it.

OBJECTIONS

Do I need to be more established?

While this all sounds great, you may be wondering if you should wait until you’re more established. I’m here to tell you 100% no.

I started off doing portraits, did not charge much for them, shifted into weddings, and was told that’s where the money was at. I then added portraits back in, and when I had clients in the past come back for things like mini sessions, I had to re-explain a different process to them. While it’s very doable, it’s so much better to just start off charging what you need to be charging, offering what you should be offering, and having that high level of service in reaching those ideal clients that want to invest a leather amount into products and heirlooms from their session.

So, don’t wait until you’re more established. Jump in and do this now, no matter where you’re at in your journey.

Now, what if you’re established, but you don’t know if you can switch and do this? I hear you because I’ve been there, but it’s never too late. The sooner you can do it, the better.

Is my work even good enough?

Something else I hear a lot of is people wonder if their work is good enough to add in portraits, and I want to assure you that if your clients aren’t complaining about their photos, then your work is good enough. Now, continue to constantly look at your work and reflect on how you can continue to make them even better and how you can become a stronger photographer, but don’t wait until you get to a certain point to add in products.

I don’t have the time to offer products

Another obstacle I hear is that photographers don’t have time to offer products, but what I truly think is that you don’t not have the time. You can’t afford not to offer this.

When I was charging an average of about $500 for a shoot and burn session, I knew I wasn’t going to make an online gallery sale after. However, when I had an average of a $2K portrait session, yes, I was spending more time with each client, but for that $2K client, that’s 3 other clients I didn’t have to take on. With that $500 session, I would have to take on 4 clients just to get to that $2K.

So, even though you’re spending more time with that one client, it’s totally worth it. You won’t have to take as many clients on and you’ll be able to focus on each client more intentionally.

I can’t afford samples

The next objection I hear is, “I can’t afford samples.” There’s a lot of ways to show clients options that they can purchase without even physically having the product. Many companies that I suggest my students order from even have mockups you can use. I show my students how to actually design mockups for their clients, so you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on samples to get going with this.

Will my clients even want products?

I also hear people ask if their clients will even like it since they don’t buy anything from the online gallery and don’t ask about products anyway. If we aren’t educating our clients and sharing the value with them, how are they going to see the value themselves? Online galleries can be really overwhelming, and in turn, will make your clients not purchase from them. If you offer this to your clients and educate them, I’m sure they would love to invest!

And while online galleries are great for those smaller purchases, I want to handle those larger transactions and sales. The reason they are so large is because I’m able to verbally walk my clients through it and not just leave them at the will of an online gallery.

What if I sound too salesy?

Now, the biggest objection I hear is, “I don’t want to be salesy.” Here’s the thing – You are already selling to your clients. If you own and run a business, you are actively selling. What I would love for you to do is to do it in a way that actually educates your clients better that shares the value better. Our job is to be the guide in what’s going to work bets for them and their home, and that is a lot different than being salesy.

But I don’t have a studio

Another objection I hear is, “I don’t have a studio.” Guess what. I didn’t either. There’s a lot of different ways to share the value and sell products without one. You can meet at a coffee shop or meet with them via Zoom. I’ve had multiple multi-thousand-dollar sales simply on Zoom in my home.

If you’re thinking this sounds great and you would love to add in products, let me give you a few tips on this.

You need to educate and share the value with your clients. Get really good at being excited about your products. Even if you don’t have many in your home, I would encourage you to get one.
Stop limiting our clients based on what we think they should or shouldn’t spend. It’s not up to you to decide what they want to invest in. That’s up to your client. It can be scary, but it can also lead to massive results.
Be a place that they can come knowing they’ll be taken care of from start to finish. They no longer have to go anywhere else for prints and products.
Stop limiting yourself and your income by saying you’ll wait until you get better or until it’s the right time. There’s never a perfect time, but I assure you the sooner you jump onto this, the sooner you can get this set up the right way. Incredible things can happen in your business.

I have helped students grow their average, triple their portrait average, grow it by a thousand dollars by being willing to take that scary leap and learning how to add in products and prints to their packages, to be able to serve their clients even better.

In this episode, we chat about:

My favorite things about offering products
Some of the biggest objections I hear when it comes to introducing products to your photography business
Why now is the best time to start!

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post When Do I Add in Products to My Business? appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

When Is the Best Time to Invest in Education?

Christa — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

Are you thinking back on this year and looking at what went well and what didn’t go well? Maybe there is something you started doing that you really loved, but you’re not really sure what the next step in learning about it looks like. It could be that you absolutely love what you’re doing, but you’re not moving forward.

If this is you, then it may be time to invest in education. I know there can be some hesitancy when it comes to investing, so I’m sharing the 3 biggest objections people have when it comes to investing in their education.

Time Objection

The first thing I hear a lot when people choose to not invest in their education is that they don’t have the time. They say, “Maybe next month” or, “Maybe next year,” and as they go down the road doing this, they are not able to learn valuable tools to keep their business running sustainably and they end up stopping because they are just so burnt out.

I’m just going to say this – There’s never a perfect time to invest in your business, but I want to share some of my personal experiences to show you that even if it doesn’t seem like the right time, it’s still going to be beneficial.

The first really big financial investment I made into my education was a workshop for weddings when I was building my wedding business. The workshop fell during my first week of my senior year of college, meaning I would have to take all of my absences at the beginning of the year. Terrible timing, right? But I knew I needed this to drive my business forward, and you better believe I saw my investment back not once, not twice but ten times over.

Another time was last October when I made my biggest investment which was $30k in a coach. And if you’re a photographer, you know that’s the busiest time of year by far, but I knew it was the right fit, and I saw that investment back within 2 months.

I know you value your time, and I value my time too. I value my time so much that I decided if there was an opportunity where I could learn how to better my business and work with more intention that would move the needle forward, you better believe I would rather make that investment.

Money Objections

Whenever I’m looking at an investment opportunity of any form, I always look at the big picture. Am I going to see this money back and more long-term? Is this actually going to move the needle forward in my business? For me, if the answer is yes, it’s a no-brainer. If it’s an investment where someone can show me how to do something and I’ll be able to make a lot more money, then I’m going to do it.

For instance, when a new piece of equipment came out, I didn’t go and purchase it right away. I took some time to think about if it would move my business forward and if it would help me be a better photographer. Once I realized the answer was yes, I went out and bought it.

If there’s something that can move the needle forward, why on earth would I not jump on it if it’s the next step I need? And because of this thinking, because I’ve been so intentional about what coaches I invest in, big things have been happening.

And while there’s a lot of free education out there, those tend to not reap many results. Oftentimes, when I have a financial stake in something, like when I invest in a coach, that’s when I saw the ROI. There’s so much more motivation to do something when you are paying for something because there’s more pressure to do it.

So, I give you permission to invest 10% of what your business brings into education. You may do more, you may do less, but make sure it’s substantial enough that it’s going to push you to the next level.

Mindset Objection

Will this work for me? Can I do this? Should I wait until I’m more established? These are common questions I hear when someone is hesitant about investing in their education.

So, let me walk you through a few things. Something I see happening a lot is photographers just investing in photography education over and over again. Yes, you want to get good at that, but the thing that I see is some photographers have incredible work, but if you’re missing that business piece, you will only go so far.

I’ve also seen the opposite where some photographers’ work isn’t the most refined, but they’re having killer sales because that business piece is set. You are NEVER too new to start setting your business up the right way.

One of the biggest regrets I have with the method I teach of adding in prints and products is that I didn’t start sooner because when I did implement my process, I was already established and years into my business, I had to make this big pivot and attract a portrait clientele all over again because I had pulled back and just focused on weddings.

How much better would it have been to start it up the rigid way instead of getting going, then changing and realizing this isn’t sustainable? So, you’re not too new to get going the right way. You will not regret it.

The other thing I hear is people saying, “I can’t do it.” Everybody has that self-doubt at first. Even if you’re established, not everyone loves their business every single day. There are going to be hard days, but it means you’re pushing yourself to keep going and that’s what’s going to bring you to the next level.

If you’re concerned about figuring out how to do something, find a coach who has been there, done that. Find someone who has success stories from other students and reach out to those past students to see how their experience was.

If you’re still hesitant about investing in your education, think about this – What’s the best thing that can happen and what’s the worst thing that can happen? It’s easy to think about what can happen if it doesn’t work out, but I like to think, what if it does? What if this changes your entire life for the better?

Looking at time, money, and mindset, I hope when an educational situation comes up, and you know that this will help your time be so much more utilized, that they’re going to show you what to do to move your business forward the way it needs to be to save you time, that you’re going to make that investment back tenfold, then that investment becomes really small compared to how much more you made from this.

So, break past those self-doubts and try something different and new because it could literally change not just your business, but your life.

In this episode, we chat about:

Why there is never a perfect time to invest in your education
Breaking past money mindset blocks
The reason you can invest in your education, even if you are new

Connect with Christa

Ready to take your business to the NEXT level and have regular 4-figure portrait sessions? I’d love to invite you to check out a case study HERE. We’re starting here to see if you’re a good fit! If so, shoot me a DM on Instagram!

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post When Is the Best Time to Invest in Education? appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

How to book photography clients THIS WEEK

Christa — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

Are you taking proactive steps in your marketing? No, I’m not talking about refreshing your email or insta DMs because that’s not what is going to lead you to more clients. Sitting behind your computer, editing and re-editing, wondering if it’s your preset is also not the solution.

I know this because I’ve done all of the above. So, let’s go ahead and go over some clear, actionable steps to book photography clients this week.

‌

Reach out to past clients

The very first thing you can do is reach out to past clients. Think about it for a moment. They already trust you and love you. Rather than starting from scratch, you can leverage these existing connections. Drop them a friendly text message and see how they are doing. Then mention your open calendar, giving them first dibs on dates.

For an even more effective approach, try and schedule a call with them. It’s easy to forget when you’re texting back and forth, but when you get on a call, there’s a better chance of getting them securing a spot on your calendar.

‌

Have a session giveaway

If you’re just building your photography business and don’t have many past clients, don’t worry. I have some tips for you too! One thing I love is doing a session giveaway with a large gift card that would cover the session fee and some images and products for them. Promote this giveaway on Instagram clearly outlining the steps participants need to follow for a chance to win. Maybe it’s just that they comment on the post and share it in your stories. Whatever it is, make sure the image is captivating enough to make people want to enter.

Once you pick a winner, you can then DM everyone else who entered and do a special with them. Maybe offer them a smaller gift card or a discount on photos, which will get those people in the door.

‌

Do a model call

Another great idea is to do a model call, and this is great if you’re in a place where you don’t have a strong portfolio to attract clients with yet. So, this can not only help you build that portfolio but can also lead to sales and referrals. What’s great about a modeling call is that you get to have a say on the ramifications whether it be location, date, time, or attire.

If you want to monetize your model call, consider limiting the number of images provided and then go ahead and upsell additional images afterward.

‌

Directly approach someone you think would be a good fit

Lastly, don’t be afraid to directly reach out to someone who you feel would be a perfect fit and invite them for a session. Maybe you offer them half off the session or a certain amount of digital images as a thank you, with the option to purchase more.

As you can see, there are so many ways to attract clients, whether it’s reconnecting with past clients or enticing new ones to book sessions. Using these proactive steps will help to start filling your calendar, as well as build the foundation for a strong business in the future.

In this episode, we chat about:

The benefit of reaching out to past clients
How session giveaways can get new potential clients to find you
Conducting modeling calls
Directly approaching someone you feel would be a great fit for a photo session

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post How to book photography clients THIS WEEK appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Make $10K in Prints by 2024

Christa — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

Are you looking to make a cash injection by the end of the year? And when I say cash injection, I mean an extra $10k before 2024. While this seems crazy, I want you to know that this is very possible, and I’m walking you through the steps you can take to get clients excited about this.

Educate your clients

The very first thing we need to do in order to have a client purchase any type of print or spend any amount with us is to educate and share the value with our clients before the session of why they should invest. And specifically with prints and heirlooms, you need to explain to them the difference between you and a much cheaper site or local pharmacy store.

Help them understand the difference in quality and convenience, and make them aware you’re taking a lot off their plate. Chances are, if you have done a session with them earlier this year, they probably haven’t gotten anything printed yet, and if they have, maybe it’s just a few 4×6 or 5×7 prints. So, we want to share the value of what it would look like if they had these beautiful images on their walls or an album that could go on their coffee table. What would it look like in their lives to walk by those images every single day?

Share the transformation

You can start this process even before the session begins by scheduling a meeting, whether it be in person or virtual, and discuss what’s important to them during the session. Share your products and how they can transform their living space. It’s important that you are sharing products you are genuinely excited about so they will be too!

Keep your product offerings simple, focusing on a few key items you think your clients would love. These could include a few different wall portraits with some frame options or album options.

Reach out to past clients

It’s also never too late to reach out to past clients. Offer a limited-time offer to create a sense of urgency. You could offer to get on a call to discuss some product ideas that go along with your offer. This personal touch point is so important.

If you are someone who would also love to be able to sell smaller prints, like 5x7s and 4x6s, I would suggest an online gallery through Pictime. What sets Pictime apart is its ability to save email addresses associated with each gallery. For instance, if you shoot a wedding gallery, you may end up with 20 different email addresses because the bride sent it out to family and friends. So, if I run a special, all those people can receive the emails.

Pictime also has automation features. For example, you can use pre-written emails about sales and it will send multiple reminders to the saved emailed addresses.

The key here is to be persistent. It’s been scientifically proven that it takes us about eight times to see something before we actually commit to it, so make sure to be proactive and reach out personally to clients, in addition to running email blasts and posting on social media.

By implementing these strategies, you can boost your income and provide more value to your clients. If you want to learn more, I have a free 20-minute training on getting prints and heirlooms going, why it’s effective, some of the touch points we have, and what we cover so you can make even more with prints and heirlooms and have things set up correctly right from the start.

So, as you get these things going, what you want to do is make it really clear when clients come to your page that you specialize in prints and heirlooms. Building this reputation and letting people know you offer this is going to help attract more clients who value these products.

In this episode, we chat about:

Educating your clients on the value of ordering portraits and heirlooms from you
Showing your clients the transformation of having portraits in their homes can make
The benefits of reaching out to past clients to share your offers
The power of being persistent

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Get a free month of Pic-time or use this code: L3RDGE

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post Make $10K in Prints by 2024 appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.

Burnt Out to 6-Figures- My Story

Christa — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts

Welcome to the very first episode of The Uncapped Photographer Podcast! In this episode, I’m sharing how I got started in my photography journey, and the SCARY steps I took to finally uncap my income & offerings!

My story starts how most photographer’s stories start. I bought my very first camera in high school and tried to photograph as many people as I could, and continued to get better and better.

During college, I juggled my classes, another job, and photography, all while absorbing as much education as I possibly could. I was actively learning and trying to invest back into my business and into myself so I could continue to grow and become a better photographer, and I 100% believe that that’s why I was able to scale as quickly as I did.

In my early days of photography, I made the decision to specialize in wedding photography, however, I reached a point where I felt stuck and burnt out. This is why I decided to hire a mentor, and she encouraged me to add in portraits while still doing weddings, giving my clients an elevated experience.

This transition was scary for me, having already spent six years in the industry, but it proved to be life-changing. Not only did I find a renewed passion for my business, but I knew these photos would actually go up in my clients’ houses rather than being in a Facebook album, I created amazing relationships with my clients, and my income just skyrocketed.

Eventually, I ended up having a friend come and encourage me to start coaching other photographers on how to add in portraits, so last year I began coaching other photographers how to have the same setup in their business and it’s been incredible.

So many things can happen when you are running your business rather than your business running you. You don’t need to be busy all the time to make a sustainable photography income. It’s so possible and I’m so glad you’re here to learn how.

In this episode, we chat about:

When I got my very first camera
Juggling college, a job, AND photography
Why I chose to originally nice down and just focus on weddings
How I was able to bring portraits back into my business and what that did for my life and my business
Why I decided to start coaching other photographers

Connect with Christa

Want more info on adding in prints and products for BIG sales? Send me a DM on Instagram @‌christa_rene or check out my website https://christarenephotography.com/

More about the Uncapped Photographer Podcast

This podcast is for you if you are ready to hit the next level in your business and income so you can build the life of your dreams!

The post Burnt Out to 6-Figures- My Story appeared first on Christa Rene Photography.