Focused AF

"I never signed up to be an influencer."

"I never signed up to be a content-creator."

"I signed up to create pretty things....and that's it."

When you signed up to be a business owner in the wedding industry, you signed up to do whatever it takes to get people to fall in love with your work, your brand, and your voice. Being amazing at your craft is no longer enough - not only do you have to put yourself out there, you have to put yourself out there PROPERLY so that these social and search platforms will deliver you to their audiences.

And that is exactly what Angela Shae of Social Templates will share with us today. What are some ways that we can leverage social media to help us reach our target audiences and grow our businesses? What can we do better? What should we definitely STOP doing? Learn all this, and more, on today's episode.

https://socialtemplates.co/

@socialtemplates.co

On this episode, we continue to share some of our sales & marketing tips/strategies that have allowed us to attract/book new clients during an otherwise slow(er) year.

On this episode, the Focused AF cohosts join Ben on his weekly live, to talk about their recent influx of inquiries and bookings. We share some tips/strategies that have helped our brands continue to book clients during this otherwise strange time for other business owners.

Managing a wedding business that does 400+ events a year is no small feat; but that is exactly what Fernando Serrano and his partner do at Blanc Noir Event Group. Learn how he leverages his time, charm, and relationships to maintain one of the busiest and most successful entertainment companies we know.

Also, learn some of the personal struggles that he had with unprofessional wedding vendors while planning his own wedding last year. You definitely don't want to make the same mistakes as these vendors did!

You can check Blanc Noir Event Group here:

IG: @blancnoirevents

Website: https://bneventgroup.com/

"Fundy Designer software saves marriages, one photographer at a time."

That's our story, and we're sticking with it.

As longtime users of Fundy's software, as well as patrons of his infamous Fundy parties in Vegas, we're incredibly honored to now consider Fundy a colleague and friend. In today's episode, learn a little bit more about the human being behind this incredible software, which has not only revolutionized the way photographers are now serving their clients, but also enriching the lives of the photographers who are using these powerful tools.

Stick with us till the end, and you'll also be treated to a mind-blowing demo of his newly released v11 of the Fundy Designer, presented by Fundy himself!

Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and enjoy!

It's not easy being a full time mom, wife, and full time wedding photographer. As a way of reclaiming some work-life balance back to her growing family, Gricel Rivera transitioned to studio work during the pandemic and never looked back. In this episode we talk about:

• How she transitioned from weddings to portraits in her photography business.
• How she leverages IPS to help her earn as much from her portrait clients, as she did with her wedding clients.
• The importance of hard work and sacrifice in order to make your business successful.

You can check out Gricel's work at gricelsphotography.com, and @gricelsphotography on IG.

When Ben & Karis decided to host a summit, we knew it wasn't going to be easy nor perfect. In this episode, we recount all the lessons and victories that we picked up along the way, and how they're going to improve their next conference.

Here's a look back at some of our fave moments in 2023.

Some of the most talented photographers we know are perpetual students of their craft; they never stop learning, even when they're at the top of their game. Despite having won dozens of industry awards in his career, Leo continues on his quest to become a better photographer every single day - by attending workshops, conferences and classes all over the US.

And even then, his beautiful work only makes up a small percentage of his success. Most of that can be attributed to his incredible drive and work ethic to stay on top of his business, and serving his clients in the most impactful way possible.

Today's drink is Ben's Irish Coffee

- 1oz Kahlua

- 1oz Baileys

- Top off with coffee

- Top with whipped cream

- Sprinkle cocoa powder on top

When you're as busy guy like Sam Hurd, you embrace all the nifty tools you have at your disposal that help you become a lean, green, creative machine. In today's episode, we learn a little bit more about Sam's backstory and journey to the present day, as well as all the exciting ways he's currently incorporating AI into his workflow.

Sam will also be joining us at the Focused AF Summit on Jan 11, 2024, and we all hope to see you there!

No season would be complete without a boozy, ugly-sweater party to wrap up our first year as podcasters! In this episode, we recount some of our favorite moments this year, and what we've got planned for next year.

With that being said, are you guys Focused AF for 2024? Sound off in the comments below!

Ken Pak is an industry veteran who injects his special brand of humor and perspective in life, photography, and everything that he does. Learn about his life-long journey to finding his voice as an artist, how industry awards have shaped his trajectory over the years, and why you should always be on your best behavior while photographing on federal property!

Tori Kelner is a branding expert who shares with us how her personal brand has allowed her to attract her dream clients on autopilot, and how she leverages this branding in her business. We also learn about her love of Britney Spears, Harry Potter and fluffy socks (all the stuff we love as well!).

*Editor's notes: Ben's mic was running a little hot during this episode, we're sorry about his audio quality!

In today's episode, learn how Andrea & Richard Flores grew their little photography passion into a full-fledged, full-service photography studio, allowing them maximize their revenue-per-client and balancing a hectic home life with 3 kids and 50 chickens!

Today's drink is a salted-caramel apple cider old fashioned

- 1 dash angostura bitters

- 1 tsp salted caramel

- 2 oz bourbon

- 2 oz apple cider

- Garnish with apple slices, and toasted cinnamon and star anise

We continue our talk about finding/hiring the perfect photographer, the power of print, and how we can pro-actively get ahead of venues/bridal attendants who go rogue!

This episode is for all the brides & grooms! (and also the vendors who love 'em).

These are all the tips that you're not going to find on TheKnot, WeddingWire or a Google search. In this episode, we talk about finding the perfect:

• Venues
• Hair & Make-Up Artists
• Videographers

What are some of the hallmarks of great vendors? What are some of the things you should look out for? Do you agree/disagree?

Today's drink is a Grapefruit & Rose Vodka & Tonic with Rosemary

- 1 oz Grapefruit & Rose Vodka

- Top off with tonic

- Garnish with rosemary

If you're not leveraging video in your marketing, you're missing out on a HUGE opportunity to reach your audience in a powerful and impactful way - and Marvin Flavien tells us why.

Marvin will also be sharing the stage with us at the Focused AF Summit next January 11th, and you can get tickets here: https://focused-af.com/summit.

Today's drink is a Dark & Stormy (with Hail)!

- Fill cup with ice

- 1 oz dark rum

- Top off with ginger beer

"How much should I charge?"

It's one of the most commonly asked questions, especially for newcomers and transplants alike. As we discuss in today's episode, sometimes it's not so simple as seeing what others are charging in your market, and then simply going from there. When it comes to pricing yourself properly, it's not just your product, or what anyone says your work is worth.

We get it - you don't want budget clients, and you simply want to make sure that you're fairly compensated for your hard work, experience, and craftsmanship.

In today's episode, learn how we've priced ourselves and our own businesses, how/when we raised our prices, and all the calculations that go into making those decisions; all while maintaining a solid inquiry volume with our dream clients (while screening out all the price shoppers in the process!).

In today's episode with Nikisha King, we talk about the importance of having the right people around you, having the right mindset, and having the right systems and processes in place to help you succeed in your business, while serving your clients (and others around you) in a meaningful way.

Nikisha will also be sharing the stage with us at the Focused AF Summit on January 11, 2024, which you can check out here: https://focused-af.com/summit.

You can check out Nikisha's work here:

https://www.instagram.com/nkdesign.house/

https://www.instagram.com/nkfocus.formula/

https://www.instagram.com/nk_podcast/

For bloopers, highlights, and BTS, follow us here:

https://www.instagram.com/focused.af/

Got some tea? We'd love to hear it!

Shoot us an email at hello@focused-af.com and we might share your story on a future episode!

Remember that moment during the initial consultation where you promised the clients that you'd always go "above-and-beyond" for them, and that your customer service is probably the best thing since sliced bread?

Did you really mean it when you promised them all those things?

Or do you find yourself waving your contracts in their faces when they require a little bit more of you later?

If you've been in business long enough, you'll find that most days are fun and easy, but others can be draining and demoralizing. At the end of the day, you're in the service industry. Happy clients is what provides you with longevity in this business and it starts with serving first.

In this episode, we also talk about:

• What we do when clients ask us to do more than we're contractually obligated to provide.
• How do deal with difficult vendors.
• That one time where the 2nd shooter slept with the groom! (eek!)

We're still going virtual at the moment, so no drinks for this episode. But we'll be back in the studio in no time!

How's everyone doing with their inquiries and bookings?

In today's episode, we get into some real talk about what's been working for us and the 4 photography brands that we have between us.

As you'll learn - not only do we all get our inquiries in very different ways, our clients book us for all very different reasons. Goes to show, there isn't one "correct" way to do anything when it comes to your business. You simply have to find a way that works for you and your working style.

**Sorry about the poor audio quality, we were testing our remote/virtual set up!**

Every time you snap a photo, ask yourself this (and be honest): are you doing it for the clients, or are you doing it for yourself, your brand, or your portfolio?

As artists and business owners, we all have our own reasons for doing things the way we want to do them. But at the end of the day, it's nearly unanimous that a "service-first" mentality is the one thing that will bring you success and longevity in your business.

In today's episode, we talk about how we serve our clients in the most meaningful ways, that turn them from customers into some of our biggest, raving fans.

For this episode, we are enjoying Mo's Special Slider:

• 1000 lbs of ground beef
• 1000 slices of American cheese
• 500 slider buns

In today's episode, we are joined by our very good friends Moses & Steph of Moses Cruz Photography, another husband-and-wife wedding photography duo who loves cheeseburger sliders and escape rooms as much as we do!

In this episode, we talk about how they started their photography journey with a modest $60 job, transitioned into second shooting (for EVERYONE, including your co-hosts), and eventually built an award-winning wedding photography brand right here in New Jersey.

We also learn about all the crazy dynamics, sacrifices, and compromises that go into working with your spouse, one that very few solo-preneurs ever get to experience (but one that other husband-and-wife teams can surely relate to).

Today's beverage is Ro's Special Sangria! If you want the recipe, tell us your favorite part of this episode in the comments below, and Ro will personally share with you his top-secret (and super delicious) recipe!

Is business really slow, or is it our imagination?

In this episode, we explore the state of the wedding industry as it currently exists in this "post-COVID" world.

• If there's a slowdown in your business, we explore some of the reasons why and how we can possibly "fix" them.
• We revisit some of the lessons from veteran photographers who fizzled out after 20-30 years of running a successful business.
• We also talk about tipping, passing CC fees to clients, and much more!

Today's drink is last episodes Philly-Adjacent Wooter-Ice!

- 1 oz cherry vodka

- 1 dash of grenadine

- top off with sprite or ginger ale

Here's an industry secret that very few talk about: one can actually second-shoot their way to a full calendar and eventually into an incredibly successful career. Join our interview with Nathan Desch today as we talk about:

1. How newcomers and veterans can transform themselves into more attractive candidates for hiring primaries and studios.

2. Some common mistakes that photographers make when presenting themselves to hiring primaries and studios.

3. Why he created the platform https://shootwith.me to help studios & primaries find associates and second-shooters, and how photographers are now leveraging this platform to fill their calendars.

Today's drink is the "Philly-Adjacent Wooter-Ice"

- 1 dash of grenadine

- 1 oz cherry vodka

- Top off with Sprite or ginger ale

How do you affirm, celebrate, and serve the LGBTQ community in the wedding industry, the right way? What's "Rainbow-Washing"? How can we do better?

Meet Rylan, an openly trans wedding photographer who stopped by the podcast studio to share his thoughts about all of these LGBTQ topics, and a whole lot more. Wanna learn more about Rylan? You can check him out here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/rylott_photos/

URL: https://www.rylanlottphotography.com/

***

Today's drink is the Sbagliato (the correct way!)

Equal parts dry vermouth, campari, and prosecco. Garnish with orange wheel. Enjoy!

Work less, earn more. It's the American Dream, right?

Well, not so fast.

In today's episode, we take a deep dive into starting, growing, and managing an associate brand. Karis & Ben started their associate brand, Pearl Paper Studio back in 2013, and have since grown their team to 14 photographers, documenting over 80+ weddings/year in one of the most saturated markets on the planet. Learn more about their struggles and business philosophy which has helped shape their team to what it is today. Pro tip? Owning & managing an associate brand is not for the wary, and it's definitely not as easy as it looks!

Today's drink is an Amaretto Sour.

- 1 oz Amaretto liquor

- .5 oz simple syrup

- .5 oz lemon juice

Combine all ingredients over ice. Stir. Garnish with cherry.

On today's episode, we are joined by Emily Rochotte, a social media strategist and professional blogger who shares with us some of her tips & tricks on creating a marketing strategy in today's quickly-changing wedding marketplace. We also talk about outsourcing, ChatGPT, and even a phenomena known as "Posting & Ghosting" (and a million reasons why you shouldn't be doing that).

This episode's drink is a Pina Colada. Here's how you make it!

- Two generous squirts of coconut cream

- .75 oz coconut rum

- .75 oz white rum

- Top off with pineapple juice

- Garnish with cherry

You can serve this iced or blended (we didn't have time, so we went iced today!).

As business owners, we are always looking for ways to make our lives a little easier, earn more revenue, and run our businesses a little more efficiently. This is where AI comes in. Over the past couple of years, AI has completely transformed the landscape of the wedding industry, especially in the wedding photography space. Grab a seat and your favorite beverage, join us, and learn about all the ways that we use AI in our work.

Today's drink is a Orange Blossom-Rose Vodka Tonic with Blueberries & Thyme

- 1 oz Ketel One Botanicals Orange Blossom Rose Vodka

- Top off with tonic

- Garnish with blueberries & thyme

Mike Zawadzki is a wedding photographer based out of Northern NJ. Listen to his inspirational story of hitting rock bottom, then eventually climbing to the top through perseverance, hard-work, and finally surrendering to his destiny and role in this world. We also talk about building an associate team, his best marketing tips, and the importance of authenticity and service as an entrepreneur.

Today's drink is the Cran-Orange Tonic with Berries & Thyme

- 1 oz orange juice (extra pulp)

- 1 oz cranberry juice

- 1 oz tonic

Pour all the ingredients into an old-fashioned glass, and garnish with berries & thyme (the thyme is the secret here!)

Who were Jenn & Ro before they became globe-trotting, award-winning, wedding photographers? Learn more about Ro's life of crime, Jenn's ambitions to become an Apple genius, and the scenic route they took to get to where they are today.

This episode's drink was the Aperol Spritz!

Equal parts aperol, prosecco, and club soda. Garnish with orange wheel. Enjoy!

Ben, Karis, Jenn & Ro talk about how they met, the evolution of their friendship, and why they started a podcast. This episode also features Ben's World Famous Bengarita! (recipe below)

Bengarita Recipe

• 1 oz Tequila
• 1 oz Triple Sec
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Jucie
• .75oz Simple Syrup
• Rimmed glass tumbler with equal parts sugar, salt and lime zest

Shake ingredients with ice, and pour into prepared glass tumbler.

From marriage bed to marriage desk; what do you do when you have two husband-and-wife wedding photography teams who get together every week to talk about life, work, industry gossip (and occasionally cute outfits you can wear to work)?

You give them some fancy drinks, four mics and a podcast, that's what :).