Build and Bloom Photography Podcast With Jessica Whitaker

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@JessicaWhitaker) am reading off user-submitted photography industry controversial hot takes.

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@JessicaWhitaker) am joined by SEO expert and photography marketing maven Cat DeLine (@cat.deline). She's teaching how to grow your photography business by adding lead photographers to create a team.

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, join me (@JessicaWhitaker) getting virtual coffee with 4 incredible photographers in this new podcast series. Every month, I'll have different photographers join me on the podcast to discuss hot topics. This month, we are talking about the slow season and how the TikTok ban will affect photographers.

Photographers:

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@JessicaWhitaker) am sharing NIGHTMARE client situations from the Build and Bloom Facebook Group and offering my advice as well as reading off the comments to share other perspectives.

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@JessicaWhitaker) share how I moved my photography business from Seattle to New York City. This is a realistic look at how to use patience, wisdom, and a plan of action to move strategically.

Episodes Mentioned:

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@JessicaWhitaker) am joined by celebrity and fashion photographer Katie Levine (@katielevinephoto). Katie opens up about why she left Los Angeles, her experience assisting Annie Leibovitz, photographing the likes of Kourtney Kardashian and Tan France from Queer Eye, and why she turned down photographing Kanye West for a magazine cover. Katie is a master at artificial studio light and posing her subjects. I loved hearing about her spiritual side and how her faith in Jesus connects to her career.

Virtual assistants can provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location. Belco Virtual Solutions is the agency I have been using for 2.5 years and what I have been recommending to my friends. They are fair pay and based in North America. Mention that you came from the Podcast & get 10% off your first month!

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In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@JessicaWhitaker) am answering JUICY questions from the Build and Bloom Facebook Group and offering my advice as well as reading off the comments to share other perspectives.

I plan to make this a monthly series!

WHAT’S NEXT:

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@JessicaWhitaker) am opening up on a personal level that I've never shared online before. I am sharing about how I got my first job in the fashion industry at 15 years old & how I kept it until I was 22 years old. With that, I'm sharing a little about how I grew up very poor and why I had to start working very young. I'll also go over a handful of the other jobs I held while working in fashion & going to college. I want to offer this as a refreshing and realistic perspective about working and how to get creative with your resources and make opportunities for yourself happen.

WHAT’S NEXT:

In this Build and Bloom photography podcast episode, I (@jessicawhitaker) am joined by photography educator Eden Strader (@edenstrader) for the THIRD TIME on the podcast! Eden will teach you how to build a marketing plan around core content and automation. 

Eden Strader is a destination wedding photographer turned business coach, leading creative entrepreneurs in building a life of artistic growth, wealth, and freedom. She made a six-figure company before age 23 and has helped hundreds of business owners step into their dream businesses.

Feeling burnt out by endless scrolling and the highlight reel of everyone else's photography business? Join me (@jessicawhitaker) in this Build and Bloom podcast episode, where we ditch the digital drama and set healthy social media boundaries. Let's break free from the screen together and rediscover the joy of real-life connections in 2024!

WHAT’S NEXT:

Feeling stuck in a time-sucking photo biz vortex? Jessica (@jessicawhitaker) cuts through the fluff with actionable tips to boost your productivity, attract leads, and skyrocket your profits.

Here's a taste of what's in store:

• Upgrade your hard drive, not your whole computer: Save money and boost speed with this simple hardware secret.

• Build a website that works for you: Stop chasing trends and let your 24/7 online hub bring in clients while you sleep.

• Dump the endless courses, delegate to a VA: Free up your time and actually apply what you learn with a virtual assistant who can tackle admin, social media, and even launch your podcast or YouTube channel!

• Declutter your space, not your workflow: Ditch the subscription overwhelm and create a productive haven (fresh PJs optional ).

• Master time-blocking: Conquer your to-do list with laser focus using a simple timer app.

• Grow your email list, skip the IG grind: Build lasting relationships and ditch the fleeting likes game.

Resources Mentioned:

Ready to transform your daily life into magnetic Instagram and TikTok content that attracts your dream clients? Buckle up, photographers, because Season 3 of the Build & Bloom Podcast is exploding with BTS secrets from Quianna Marie!

In this Build and Bloom photography podcast episode, I (@jessicawhitaker) am joined by photography educator Eden Strader (@edenstrader) for the SECOND TIME on the podcast!

Eden will talk about combining systems, strategy, and soul to create a perfectly aligned and data-driven photography business!

Eden Strader is a destination wedding photographer turned business coach, leading creative entrepreneurs in building a life of artistic growth, wealth, and freedom. She made a six-figure company before age 23 and has helped hundreds of business owners step into their dream businesses.

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@jessicawhitaker) am sharing how to CRUSH mini sessions this holiday season. I cover the booking process, how to make sure the photoshoot day runs smoothly, and delivery!

I am taking you along for a weekend in my life as a photographer via voice memos! I live in Seattle but travel to New York 2x a year for client photoshoots. This time, I have 6 sessions lined up that you're coming along for!

LINKS MENTIONED:

I went to South Korea for 10 days and only used my $400, 17-year-old zoom lens. I also brought my 50mm f/1.2, and I didn't touch it. My 24-105mm is a holy grail lens for me at this point, and it's the only one I used on my trip to Seoul and Busan, South Korea. In this solo episode, I'm also sharing 5 travel essentials for camera gear, tech, and packing and a recap of my trip to Asia!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Lens:

In this Build and Bloom photography podcast episode, I (@jessicawhitaker) am joined by Summer Grace (@summergrace.photo). Summer is a photographer based out of the PNW who travels worldwide and specializes in storytelling and editorial styles on both digital and film. As well as the art of photography, she has always had a big love for entrepreneurship and helping others grow their business!

We are going to be talking about her storytelling sessions for engagement photoshoots. I’ve broken the episode into three parts: planning & prep for these photoshoots, her artistic vision, and where she finds inspiration. 

FOLLOW SUMMER:

Introducing voice memo vlogs! This is a different style of podcast. At the beginning of the episode, I am taking you along for a week in my life as a photographer in Seattle via voice memos. Then, after the 15:22 mark, we go into a traditional episode. I’m actually breaking down all the branding photoshoots I vlogged about. I’m sharing HOW I’m pivoting my business to all-inclusive Personal Branding sessions and what that looks like. I’m also sharing mental health updates and how I’ve felt like I’ve been in a flop era the last year and the boundaries I’m setting to help me out of it.

LINKS MENTIONED:

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@jessicawhitaker) am joined by Sarah Petty (@sarah.petty), who is an incredible photographer and New York Times Best-Selling Author of Worth Every Penny: Build a Business that Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You're Worth.

She will share with you about offering printed goods in your photography business through her “The Boutique Business Model.”

After beginning her corporate career at Coca-Cola Enterprises and working as a marketing director for a top regional advertising agency, she used her marketing chops to start one of America’s most profitable photography studios (as named by PPA).  She’s been featured in Entrepreneur, Fox Business, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal and is an internationally known speaker.

Sooo am I moving back to New York City? Am I STILL religious? How did I meet my boyfriend? I'm getting personal with YOU in this solo show and answering questions.

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@jessicawhitaker) am joined by Celebrity Photographer Krissy Saleh (@krissy). This episode is a little different. The format of this episode will feel like you’re sitting at coffee with us. You’re seriously going to be in for a venerable conversation about comparison and humility.

Krissy Saleh is a celebrity photographer and content creator based in Los Angeles, CA. Primarily known as

“Krissy” online, she has created visual content for a number of globally recognized fashion brands, including

Brandy Melville, Pacsun, Aeropostale, Forever 21, and Pull & Bear.

FOLLOW KRISSY:

Nothing is worse than feeling like you’re in a creative rut. That Google doc remains blank. The SD card, empty. That canvas propped against the wall still has wrapping on it. You haven’t edited anything new in weeks. Maybe as a photographer, your clients are ghosting you, your calendar is looking a little emptier than usual, or you haven’t been on a collaborative shoot in a while. 

Being in a creative rut is bound to happen to all of us at one point or another. While it’s frustrating in the moment, you have to remember that it’s all part of the process. 

But how do you actually beat a creative rut? Here’s a hint: You start with your mindset. In today’s episode, I’ve compiled five ways I have unconventionally become unstuck from a creative rut. I know it seems hopeless right now, but follow these pieces of advice and you’ll be out there taking photos, painting, writing, or organizing your next creative project before you know it.

What is SEO & How To Use It For Photography Websites with Cat DeLine

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@jessicawhitaker) am joined by SEO expert Cat DeLine (@cat.deline). She is going to teach you to use SEO in your photography business. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. In short, SEO is how your website is ranked in Google. Cat teaches this kind of boring topic in a simple way and will give you a few plug-and-play action steps you can do this weekend. In this episode, you’ll learn…

What can SEO do for a business?

Three items someone can do today to improve their SEO

What is SEO, really? Isn't it just a bunch of keywords?

How to you approach SEO differently?

How to blog

Do you have to blog? 

FOLLOW CAT: 

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@jessicawhitaker) am joined by creative photographer Daquan Terrence (@dt.raw). This episode is loaded with so many actionable steps you can take to get reinsured to go out and CREATE! We’re talking about how to be an ATV, an all-terrain vehicle in photography, from getting scrappy with wardrobe, hair, and makeup, to finding unique concepts outside of Pinterest. 

In this Build and Bloom photography podcast episode, I am joined by my good friend Afrik Armando. Afrik is a wedding photographer whose work has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Martha Stewart Weddings, The New York Times, and Elle.

This episode will be the sigh of relief you didn’t know you needed. We will discuss how to make wise decisions when joining high-ticket coaching programs, masterminds, destination-styled workshops, and even online courses.

We need to do so many things first with the free, low-ticket, and medium-ticket resources out there before jumping to high-ticket programs. I am discussing spending 10k, 20k, or even 30k for a mastermind, group coaching, mentoring, or mentoring./online course hybrid programs.

With so many ads targeted at us, from “join this mastermind to make 10k a month” to “enroll in my year-long coaching program and make 100k”, it’s easy to fall into temptation and click “add to cart” when we aren’t ready or can’t afford it.

In this episode, we will discuss how to navigate making smart financial decisions in your business, how to get creative and do it yourself, and how to spot false promises. 

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I (@jessicawhitaker) am joined by Emma Veness (@emmaveness.photography), an Empowerment Photographer Based in Melbourne, Australia.

She’s covering an incredible topic we all need to intergrade into our business: Intention VS expectation. She will teach how expectation can restrict us, and intention allows for a more flexible, aligned, creative photoshoot experience.

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, we’re joined by Jules Miranda (@julesandfilm), who is a self-taught, Puerto Rican photographer based in NYC who primarily shoots on 35mm film.

Jules has studied dance, music, and theatre throughout her lifetime, which has given her a unique perspective on the art of storytelling and a deep appreciation for performing and visual arts.

In this episode, we are going to be covering how to make your clients feel more comfortable, how to use questionnaires, and tips for shy photographers.

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, we’re joined by Wendy Yalom, the OG of premium personal brand photoshoots. She is going to teach on so many things, from how to offer high-ticket photoshoot packages, improve your customer service, and easy ways to INSTANTLY upgrade your CURRENT photoshoots so you can level up your next booking.

In Wendy's 20-year career as a photographer, she’s traveled the world, building a successful career creating full-service Personal Brand Photoshoots for speakers, authors, executives, coaches, and online educators. She’s had the great fortune of working with many industry leaders and having her work featured on book covers, billboards, countless websites, and publications, among them the New York Times, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Marie-Claire, Town & Country, Wall Street Journal, and more.

In this Build and Bloom photography podcast episode, I am joined by Quianna Marie, photographer, and dream chaser. Quianna is obsessed with helping you SHINE online! With over 15 years of experience photographing weddings, family portraits, high school seniors, boudoir, and events, she's done it all! Today she still has her camera in her hands, photographing content and headshots for entrepreneurs and creatives with a heart for sharing a ton of education for photographers and every season of their business. She's a small business cheerleader, kitchen dancer and loves adventures with her German shepherd puppy, Faith! Her daily reminder is that we all need a little faith every day! 

In this episode, we'll talk about her framework to help photographers book their next wedding while working their current wedding! Her big secret, capturing Behind-The-Scenes footage, helps build genuine referrals, become a local favorite, and adds value to your business. Listen in as she teaches you how to build a content bank to easily create reels, TikTok, posts, and a ton of marketing materials for your business.

In this Build and Bloom photography podcast episode, I (@jessicawhitaker) am joined by photography educator Eden Strader (@edenstrader). Today we are going to be talking about BRANDING: and we’re going deeper than visual aesthetics of fonts and color pallets. Eden is going to share how to overcome a saturated market with your branding, how to break business rules, and how a twitter fight calling her OUT on her editing style changed the path of her artistic career.

Eden Strader is a destination wedding photographer turned business coach, leading creative entrepreneurs in building a life of artistic growth, wealth, and freedom. She built a six figure company before age 23, and has helped hundreds of business owners step into their dream businesses.

In this Build and Bloom photography podcast episode, I am joined by Kailey Jacomet of Contractista, where I recommend all photographers to get their photography contract templates! In this episode, Kailey will walk us through two sticky situations: How to handle clients who want their non-refundable retainer/deposit back AND what to do when a client is dissatisfied with your work.

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, we’re joined by Wendy Yalom, the OG of premium personal brand photoshoots. She will share with us what a premium Personal Brand Photoshoot is and how to design, sell, and fulfill one. Spoiler alert: if you’re looking to phase out of wedding photography but still need to book high-ticket packages, this might be what you need to hear.

In her 20-year career as a photographer, she’s traveled the world, building a successful career creating full-service Personal Brand Photoshoots for speakers, authors, executives, coaches, and online educators. She’s had the great fortune of working with many industry leaders and having her work featured on book covers, billboards, countless websites, and publications, among them the New York Times, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Marie-Claire, Town & Country, Wall Street Journal, and more.

In this episode of the Build and Bloom photography podcast, I am joined by Amandarose of AGS Photo Art. Amandarose started photographing surprise proposals after she noticed a gap in the industry where people wanted to have this magical moment in their lives photographed. Still, very few photographers were willing to take it on.

She helps her clients craft a stress-free, seamless proposal with the option to tailor their vision with her and even a planner. Photographing proposals has opened the door for creating meaningful connections with couples looking for a great first-time experience with a photographer who can later photograph their wedding day too. Adding surprise proposals to her offerings has increased her revenue by well over $50,000, and she has made even more by booking their wedding too!

In this episode of the Build and Bloom podcast, I’m joined by guest Kelsey of Honeybee Weddings. Kelsey has a six-figure destination elopement photography business with an associate team. She will walk us through how to build a team of associate photographers. 

Have you heard the term “associate photographer” before? It’s common in the wedding industry and means you can expand your business and brand by taking in super-talented photographers to work under your business. They shoot weddings for you, so you can say yes to more wedding clients without being the one to shoot every wedding. Then, as an associate photographer, you can practice your craft and get paid for it without having the workload of booking weddings because the main photographer handles that!

Kelsey is giving us 6 Signs you’re ready for an associate and the 5 steps to take in hiring. She’s even going to break down pricing for us, sharing an example of a $6,000 package. What percentage goes to the associate, and what goes to the profit, taxes, and more.

If you are a photographer booking many weddings and want to find more ways to expand your business when your calendar is maxed out, you should consider bringing on associates.

Even if you're new in the industry, associate photographers can be a goal that you can build long before you feel the burnout. One of the hardest parts of an associate brand is knowing exactly how to position your team so couples will trust them and want to work with someone other than you. Kelsey's here to walk you through her pricing techniques, inquiry phone calls, and back-end process to help set up the photographers and the couple for success! 

In this Build and Bloom photography podcast episode, I am bringing my Meta ad expert Daria! Meta is the umbrella which Facebook and Instagram live under. Daria will cover the basics of Meta ads. Daria will discuss when to know when you are ready to start running ads, the latest trends in Facebook and Instagram ads, and how to get started with ads.

Move your followers from Instagram to YouTube. Or YouTube to your email list. Or YouTube to Instagram. In this episode of the Monday Motivation mini-series I will be teaching you how to funnel a viewer across platforms. We will cover how to flip the script on your "call to action" to make it all about THEM, not YOU. You'll also learn how to get people to *actually* subscribe to your content. 

ShowIt Photography Website Templates that are contemporary and easy to set up. https://thewebsiteworkroom.com/shop use code JESSICA for 10% off.

I promise this episode topic won't be lame!

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Liking coffee & the enneagram test isn't going to get you a photography client.  What makes you truly unique is going to connect you with potential clients. Having a website that's properly set up will convert them into paying clients. Amanda Burg is my web designer, web developer, and website copywriter. She's no-fluff and 0 cringe and creates websites that make you stand out.

Amanda has recently re-branded into The Website Workroom, your one stop for custom website design. She has recently launched a 'shop' section, which includes ShowIt templates. Amanda has created 4 beautiful Showit templates that are in a similar vein to what she has created on my website. 

Book mentioned: https://amzn.to/2Xq3j89