How I Grew My Photography Business

[@Joymichelle]

Get my complete marketing framework for HOW to book more brides without relying on paid marketing HERE bit.ly/Joys-Marketing-course

[@leemarie2]

Game changers - two full frame cameras, realizing I was “worth” charging, my CODB, second shooting, my 50 1.4 and 85 1.8, understanding Lightroom and how to connect with people before just giving them pricing.

[@Joymichelle]

These are so good! Thanks for sharing

[@golfmediatelevision5722]

Talk to me on IG golfmediafilms

[@kelly7117]

Yess! Realising you're worth charging is a big one :D

[@queenbee7074]

Cant u have micro four thirds and still have good business?

[@alen-commentnazi8774]

1-be a 2nd shooter for weddings or events or whatever 2-shoot couples/individuals/families for free to grow portfolio initially 3-attend business focused workshop aimed towards photographers 4- look at pro photographers and understand they were once in your spot 5-keep doing little things (podcasts, books, blogs) and they will all eventually contribute in the growth and snowball effect of your business

[@Joymichelle]

Soooo good! Especially #5!!!

[@monicagarcia8215]

Thank for being so humble, and down to earth. Not making it look like it was easy, but that you went through all the struggles we go though and you managed to achieve you goals! You are such an inspiration to me

[@Joymichelle]

💕💕 thank you!!!!💕💕

[@tinkerbella7391]

getting a consistent editing style and making my website look more professional :)

[@Joymichelle]

These are huge!

[@tinkerbella7391]

@@Joymichelle completely changed everything :) went from 6 weddings this year to having 17 already for 2019!!! it's crazy what putting a little bit of money into your business does.

[@Joymichelle]

Wow that’s amazing! Well done!! Did you get your website and business professionally designed/branded?

[@tinkerbella7391]

@@Joymichelle I bought a branding on etsy that wasn't made just for me so someone else might have it out there, but I love it :) and I haven't gotten it professionally done yet (on my list) but I switched from zenfolio to squarespace and it looks so much better

[@colinfitzgerald7714]

Joy, your channel is a Game Changer! Your insight has been so invaluable for giving me direction maturing as a wedding photographer. Love your brand style and positive outlook. Your genuine input stresses the value of exceptional customer relations and brand identity. Thank you for your love of weddings & education!

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you so much for this, Colin!!

[@daniellemarshall5206]

Joy, you are lovely! After watching a few of your videos today, I'm feeling very optimistic. Like I can finally start a photography business like I've wanted for so long! Thank you so much.

[@Joymichelle]

So glad to hear that!! You can do this 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@tanke1818]

PSA!!! Everyone needs to follow Joy! I always end up with some great takeaways and I can tell it comes from a genuine place. Thank you!

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks so much for commenting and watching

[@jamilgotcher5456]

The biggest game changer for me was to give the clients I had the best service and photos rather than always worry about posting to social media. Also, Google search has been way more important towards paying high quality clients than Instagram or Facebook has. How many likes you get on social media doesn't determine who has the most successful photography business. There are photographers that get lots of likes but aren't getting paid work. Maybe they got so many likes because they were giving their work away and word got out lol. Don't feel defeated just because someone else is getting more likes. And yes I love your "Compound Effect" theory. Don't worry so much about what others are doing as consistently keep producing and creating. Stay focused on you and your business.

[@Joymichelle]

yes YES YES!! I couldn't agree with you more.

[@mauradunbar5944]

Thank you SO much for this. You are touching people who just need that extra push to pursue their dream of owning their own business. You are amazing!

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you, Maura!! 💕 That’s my hope

[@erinstandridge7980]

Love the video, really needed it today. I am at that point where I'm looking for the game changer, the breakthrough. Some days I get excited like "yes, things are moving in the right direction" and other days I get discouraged. Your video helps!

[@Joymichelle]

Yes, we have all been there wondering what the heck is going on and why we don’t see the big successes yet- but keep at it! That’s where the compound effect will come into play! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@theflyest203]

Upgrading equipment.. Getting better with post processing. Also going IPS and learning Off Camera flash so controlling lighting situations anywhere lighting is allowed were the two Most HUGE game changers

[@Joymichelle]

Yes yes yes!!! Ocf is a biggie!! Where did you learn IPS?

[@theflyest203]

@@Joymichelle Facebook group that another photographer introduced my wife to..

[@trini9537]

I just started taking my photography from hobby to business. Right now I am editing images for a wedding photographer, signed up for a workshop and working along side a local photography, going to a networking event this month!! Can’t wait to meet more photographers in my area and find my style.

[@Joymichelle]

That is so exciting! Sounds like you're doing some great stuff to really grow your biz! Good luck!

[@AbelRiojasPhotographyMission]

One of the biggest game changes was changing my mindset. I was in a reactive mode most of the time and I needed to shift out quickly. Once I got my head out of my gear and was paying attention to those in front of me my style began taking shape.

[@jakereyes2740]

Switching to digital, Discovering Lightroom, my d500, my 70-200g2, switching to editing with stylus/pens, my awesome supportive husband. So many!

[@Joymichelle]

So many good ones here!! and YAY for supportive husbands ;)

[@jakereyes2740]

Natalie Mangiaracina I have two editing setups. For Mobile I use the iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil with Lightroom mobile and photoshop fix and mix. In my studio I have an iMac with the Wacom intros pro. The stylus on both are crazy accurate!

[@evtimstefanov8377]

Great video as always! Thank you Joy!

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks for watching!🙌

[@migionie]

Biggest Game changer for me: "NO!" No to people who don't pay me. No to people who don't respect my time. No to people who don't respect my work. You get the idea :)

[@Joymichelle]

SO GOOOD 🙌

[@jeffmss.fanchun2379]

I am starting my photography business in 2020 and these tips are still super useful! Thank you so much! Especially the mindset that you were talking about, that's so true

[@Joymichelle]

Welcome! Yay! There is still so much money to be made and people to be served in this industry.

[@linseyhuffaker2304]

You you are so inspiring and you always have the best information. Your videos have been SO valuable for my business. Thank you so much!

[@Joymichelle]

❤️ thank you so much!!!!

[@joshuagharis9017]

I agree with the full frame for lowlight

[@jacque5181]

Joy!!! Seriously I look forward to each and every video you make. They are genuinely full I'm so much great information. I have two of the books that you suggested and they are amazing I may pick up the third one. I have also never heard of The compound effect but it makes total sense. Thank you for sharing such wonderful knowledge it's always such a pleasure to watch.

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you so so much!!!! 💕

[@brendengraham9650]

I absolutely love this. Thank you so much!!! Really loved this video.

[@Vincelen]

Thanks so much! I think these are the most valuable points I’ve gotten so far! I appreciate you being so genuine 💛

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks for watching! So glad this helped you

[@kfairchild9156]

Joy, I loved your comment about mindset! I have had friends and family tell me I am "too expensive for still being in college," or that "college students don't get paid that much, so maybe you should be charging lower than what you're worth for the time being". These comments have really discouraged me, but I am pushing through them. I too believe that it's about the mindset you have. I keep telling myself "I can be a college student, and I don't have to under charge myself." There are other young photographers who have been so successful with photography, and I look up to them for that reason.

[@Joymichelle]

Keep pushing!! Age has nothing to do with it- totally agree!! You are awesome.

[@muruganettiyan7313]

That's great! Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks for watching!

[@katrinaamante]

This was so helpful! Need to listen again and again and take proper notes. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!! Love your videos. It’s really priceless. Appreciate you, Joy!

[@daniaahmad4015]

Thank you for making this video! For me...taking creative live classes have put a new spin in my business

[@Joymichelle]

Yes me too!! They have produced some amazing photography education

[@zeballos5757]

Thank you! My game changer is this video!

[@Joymichelle]

Hahha thank you!’

[@zeballos5757]

😄 welcome and thank you.

[@jamilgotcher5456]

Lots of great advice, tips and encouragement, Joy. Thank you 💖

[@Joymichelle]

You are so welcome!

[@bobbymarsh1]

GameChanger: studying researching photography consistentency understanding power of social media, gear doesn’t matter to me I Shoot well with anything I stay sharp mentally and creatively. Lenses 1.4 to 2.8 enhanced things tremendously all were game changers

[@Joymichelle]

Wow these are some great ones

[@ymmhofficial7415]

Never read those books before but I've taken note!

[@MichelleCoxPhotography]

So much great information here! I think these are the big kind of videos but it is super helpful to others. Good one! :)

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you so much!!

[@mslwoods25]

Loved this! Game changers for me were getting a mentor, networking with local creatives, and investing in business courses like Hook and Book Brides😊

[@Joymichelle]

Such good ones!! Especially the networking! That’s huge

[@brettgaramella]

I just started using QuickBooks and it seems to be very comprehensive and professional. I have heard that it's the industry standard. Why did you choose the other platform?

[@Joymichelle]

QB is great! I use Honeybook more for client management - the emailing back and forth, the contracts and questionnaires etc - it’s not really an accounting software

[@katdeptula3852]

Very, very valuable content! Will cme back tomorrow, watch again, make notes and USE IT! Thank you!!

[@Joymichelle]

YAY!! So glad to hear you’ll be implementing ❤️

[@hayleymoore2426]

My biggest game changer was probably my CRM. Also developing a process from start to finish.

[@Joymichelle]

It saves crazy amounts of time! I face palm when I think back to how I used to do things before a CRM

[@sulaymen]

Wow! Thank you very much for this positive and motivational video. You made my week!

[@Joymichelle]

You’re the best!! Thanks

[@lucianarangel6699]

Thanks for the video, learnt a lot! Keep up with the great work! Greetings from Brazil!

[@hismajesty40]

Excellent presentation!

[@Joymichelle]

Appreciate it!

[@DisruptiveDee]

Absolutely love this video! Very motivational and insightful! Thank you for this.

[@Joymichelle]

You're welcome!! Cheers!

[@Press4ward_]

Love the video.... keep em coming

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks for watching! Will do

[@indianweddingphotographerbipin]

Photography is a business so invest in your business. Marketing, website, networking with other suppliers if you are a wedding photographer are important but keep clents happy so they are happy to recommend you to friends and family.

[@UNASHAMEDIMAGING]

My game changer was video-marketing and collaboration

[@Joymichelle]

Video Marketing is HUGE

[@jamilgotcher5456]

We synch our Canon to an ipad wirelessly and our clients get to view their headshots at their session on the Ipad as we photograph them during the session. We make them select immediately after the session so we don't have to edit and show a proof gallery. We usually shoot a couple of different backgrounds and will also take them just outside the studio for a beautiful bokeh/natural light look too. This has been making them buy more than one look. We've been averaging 2 high res images per session for 160. plus tax. This creates a faster turn around time for headshots. Headshots are becoming my new favorite thing. Headshots have been my most profitable and efficient way to make money as a photographer because of the lack of culling and having to edit the entire session. So tired of editing and culling large sessions. When I do shoot a senior portrait with mulitple outfits. I like sitting on the couch at home while I watch Netflix or tv and swipe through the images on the Ipad while it's synched to the Canon and cull them down, by writing them on a notebook. I then batch edit in raw. I tried to use Lightroom and hated it. I do love high end retouching of a few images though, that's where I use my artist skills and creativity, by showing them images where I replaced the background for a more lux look or different color. They've been loving the background replacements.

[@Joymichelle]

Wow, so cool how you used an ipad! Very nice!!

[@jamilgotcher5456]

@@Joymichelle Joy, it was my Dad's idea to synch the Ipad for viewing during the session. He's 75 and is still an active photographer. He has been a professional photographer since the 60's and he was the first commercial photographer in our city to go digital in the 90's. He, my adult daughter and I are the team for most of our shoots. Sometimes Dad is lead photographer, sometimes I am and my daughter and I both tend to over lap each other's skills depending on who is lead photographer. If it's my Dad, I'm the stylist and straighten their clothing and the people whisperer (speaks calmly and touches up their hair, personal attention) during their session. When I'm the lead photographer my daughter helps me with giving direction and the extra set of eyes that's watching the clothes etc. She and I are both former high fashion models. We love that we can help non models feel comfortable in front of the camera.

[@Joymichelle]

It sounds like you guys have a great set up going! Wow! Do you photography all kinds of events or mainly weddings? How long have you been shooting?

[@jamilgotcher5456]

@@Joymichelle Joy, my Dad used to shoot weddings but it along with child portraiture was his least favorite photography. He's a commercial and headshot photographer. He said he enjoys shooting high school senior portraits more than weddings because there's less stress than wedding photography. His partner photographed my wedding and he (his business partner) had a stroke or heart attack when shooting my wedding decades ago. But my daughter who is a professional makeup artist wants to get more into Bridal makeup because of the market we live in and I told her that she should be the photographer not the makeup artist and or I should be the photographer and she a second photographer because I have photographed some small weddings and also as a second photographer.

[@peterjohnson1845]

Another great video! I see from the link you have now moved on to the D5!

[@Joymichelle]

Yup I still use my other camera bodies too though!

[@peterivarsson9267]

Awesome vid! Thanks for sharing

[@MikMilman]

The reason Lightroom might be slow for you is because you are not adding 1:1 previews when you do your import. This would mean Lightroom has to generate a preview each time you select a photo.

[@Joymichelle]

You’re right this definitely helps! I do this now

[@MikMilman]

​@@Joymichelle I'm glad it helps!

[@ash29287]

So so helpful!! Thank you for all of those great suggestions!

[@GodisloveisjustisHe]

This was such a helpful video! So glad to have found your channel. I'm wondering though, how do you seek out people who may need a second shooter?!

[@Joymichelle]

I have a video about becoming a second shooter too!

[@teresacesario6247]

You're so giving. Thank you!

[@Joymichelle]

You’re welcome!!

[@sameersaini8]

Nice informative video. Thanks for sharing

[@ashstonk]

love this

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks for letting me know! :)

[@skanjilal2608]

Really appreciate your effort in sharing your experience, inspiring, thanks

[@Joymichelle]

Hey thanks!! Glad you found value here!

[@clarissa_1012]

Love this video!!!

[@acidsnow5915]

this was super insightful video! thanks for sharing all this beautiful content with us! really enjoyed watching this

[@Joymichelle]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@joyceadams1926]

You are an inspiration! Right now, I am getting my website set up but confused on where to get my contract templates or does Honeybook offer templates?

[@Joymichelle]

Yup!! HoneyBook gives you an embed code so you can have your contact go straight to honeybook

[@rasimeone]

Do you produce a wedding album, or do you give them file for the wedding and they find someone to creat an album?

[@Joymichelle]

I create printed albums :) I have a couple videos about this here on my channel including the actually how to design them

[@jessicafurman8470]

Thank you, thank you for this wonderful, truthful and inspiring video! ❤️

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks, Jessica! That’s awesome to hear

[@coreybphotography]

Great Video this was very helpful for me

[@Joymichelle]

Glad it helped

[@OscarNtege]

Thanks for this great video. It was very insightful and an eye open. Just wondering what other client management software would you recommend apart from Honey Book that only works in The United States. Thanks

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks so much!! I wish HB was available beyond the US& Canada! Try tave, pixifi, dubsado

[@OscarNtege]

@@Joymichelle Thank you so much

[@MrJdguanguan]

Thank you so much for this video great info very inspiring!

[@glenconverse1327]

Great vlog. Love you!

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks for watching!!

[@statementphotography7333]

Love this video! ♡

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks!!

[@survive.canada]

Very usefull and truthful video. Thanks

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks for watching!

[@ahmedhashmi3584]

How did you go about second shooting for people?

[@Joymichelle]

I have a video all about second shooting on my channel!

[@ginnysilver]

Great content! Keep it up! :)

[@Joymichelle]

Thank you!! Appreciate you ❤️

[@saskianoten999]

Game changers : Knowing excactly what I wanne make, how i make and with who. Doing alot of free shoots and giving giftcards after it so they come back.

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@princetonsnumba1g]

How do you guys find 2nd shooting jobs?

[@Joymichelle]

Facebook groups and contacting photographers directly

[@AnastassiyaMoghan]

What to do if no photographers want me to be the 2nd photographer or neither just helping them out?!

[@Joymichelle]

Take the position as their assistant. There is so much to learn by observation and building relationships

[@janejames1594]

I have the 85mm 2.8 will that give me the same lighting

[@Joymichelle]

The same as what?

[@Basta12]

Honey book aren’t available in Europe. Any suggestions will be much appreciated 🙏🏽

[@Joymichelle]

Studio ninja, 17 hats, pixifi are other options!

[@tamaragoodwin7174]

Thank you for this helpful advice! So I have a Cannon 90D EOS which is a crop lens camera 📷. Can I still be just as successful without having a full frame lens camera?

[@adeinewallacephotography]

Do you have a CODB formula for wedding photographers at all as a video?

[@Joymichelle]

I do have a cost of business formula inside of my profitable pricing guide in a Hobby to pro toolkit 💯 there is a flash sale coming up on this so be sure to be on my email list!!!

[@adeinewallacephotography]

@@Joymichelle I shall jump on your mailing list then! Thank you.

[@joshuagharis9017]

Went from eos m50 to eos r, such a difference

[@Joymichelle]

That’s awesome!

[@abigailvincent4909]

Was photography a pursuit of passion or a means to an end for you. I am struggling with that thought for myself. I like photography but I don’t know if I should pursue it.

[@Joymichelle]

Hmm both. I honestly loved photography and spent my money on it before ever thinking I could make money with it. But I also didn’t want a desk job. I wanted the freedom of choosing when, where I worked and who i would work with!

[@trevalondon5580]

This is a journey that I want to take and I am seeking advice like yours to help me get started. May I ask, what full body camera brand do you recommend? Thanks for this video...I found it very enlightening....most of all you made me feel like "I can do this"!!!

[@Joymichelle]

Glad to hear it! Do you already have a camera or lenses you like? I recommend you stick with one brand to start with so you can share lenses between them. I shoot Nikon. My what’s in my camera bag video covers each piece of gear & has links :)

[@trevalondon5580]

@@Joymichelle I haven't bought it yet but when I went to Disney World last month for my son's wedding, I asked a couple of Disney photographers what they were shooting with and they showed me....Nikon D850. I just wonder if there is anything better than the D850 in the Nikon brand. Thanks, I plan on watching lots of your videos!!!

[@Joymichelle]

That’s a great camera. I would suggest d750 above that one tho if you plan on shooting lowlight or weddings.

[@joshuagharis9017]

Honeybook is da bomb, I don't like that you can't invoice externally

[@Joymichelle]

Yeah love honeybook!

[@brendanvandermerwe6952]

What client management software would you recommend using?

[@Joymichelle]

HoneyBook! share.honeybook.com/fTi8j I have a few videos on it here on my channel

[@totoroutes5389]

Great video! Do you prefer the nikonD5 over the D850 w/batterygrip? If so, why?

[@Joymichelle]

I haven't used the D850 but I think the file sizes are pretty huge on that one. I prefer the built in grip personally. I use a grip on my D610 and decided the next body I would buy would have it built in. I think the shooting speed and ISO capability of the D4 is wonderful. I think it's just personal preference on the battery grip and how you want the camera to feel in your hands :)

[@janelld1]

Hi Joy, I have a new photography business, and I just moved to a new area. How can I build some clients quickly? I have watched so many videos and am working on advertising. I have a website and social media. This area is a wedding hotspot and I really want some wedding clients too, but mostly I need exposure so people know I'm here. Thanks

[@Joymichelle]

Your first step should be getting clear on your brand! Who are you serving? Why are you the best one to do this? What makes you unique? Answering these questions will give you more clarity as you market yourself! Are you in my fb group?

[@minheechoi5982]

How do you become a second shooter?

[@Joymichelle]

I recommend reaching out to photographers you admire and offering to shadow but you can also find opportunities on fb groups :)

[@heeyou1925]

Hello nice to meet you ☺

[@Joymichelle]

Hello!

[@tiffanyhughes8813]

Thank you for the valuable information! Can you give any advice on when to know to stop shooting for free and start charging? And when is "enough" of a portfolio to start a website? I have been doing free photos for almost two years and have been a little discouraged as I feel that is way too long. Do you have a video tutorial of how you use HoneyBook? I just signed up using your discount code and love it so far. I just got my first paid client but want to get ahead with all the templates and hopefully jump start my business. Thanks Again!

[@Joymichelle]

Such good questions. Join my Facebook group Photoboss With Joy Michelle for more honeybook tutorials! I plan on making a few here but they’re not ready yet. :) As far as charging what you’re worth- I think I have a video on how to raise your pricing here. First I would make sure you have a strong body of work in the same category you’re hoping to book work in, then a strong brand and website, & social media strategy. If you have all these things established you 100% need to be charging for your work. You can attract clients to you through content marketing. What types of clients are you hoping to book? I have a couple videos here about marketing as well on my Channel

[@monicaaguinaga2660]

Great tips! What business workshop did you take ?

[@Joymichelle]

it's no longer available but I have lots of videos that focus on the business, brand, and marketing side of things here on my channel. :)

[@davidt6937]

Thank you for this!❤

[@Joymichelle]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching

[@felixguilamo5689]

Do you recommend a llc or what tope of business ripe do you thing is best to file income tax thank you so much for this video it's amazing

[@Joymichelle]

I do recommend an LLC for most but I'm not a lawyer/accountant so it's just my personal pref. I would suggest you contact a CPA and get some personalized feedback for what biz entity is right for you :)

[@nanajodes8154]

Shame honey book is only for United states I tried to get it is there anything else u reccomend like this

[@Joymichelle]

What country are you in? I can look around

[@Joymichelle]

Honeybook is also available in Canada :) sorry it isn’t for you :(

[@nanajodes8154]

@@Joymichelle Australia and i love your videos thanks so much

[@sols9449]

What did you do to get your name out there. Was it your website?

[@Joymichelle]

I have a whole course about marketing because that answer is long haha it’s def not 1 thing

[@sols9449]

Joy Michelle Photography so marketing was. Send me a link to the course. Thx

[@TravelMan783]

Thank you!

[@raymoore5075]

How cool thank you

[@loraloha472]

Thank you so much for this.

[@Joymichelle]

Aw thank you!

[@nirmalyaroy2811]

🙂

[@Garrettalvarado]

1. being an assistant/2nd shooter or BTS shooter 2.Leasing a studio

[@Joymichelle]

Yes yes yes to second shooting and learning from those ahead of you. So powerful! I learned so much from the first second shooting gigs I had

[@Joymichelle]

What was the biggest “game changer” in your own biz?!

[@pilarcasas1199]

Top!

[@2ramzyx]

Just came across this AMAZING video and it just confirms the path I'm trying to take so THANK YOU! Looking forward to checking out more of your knowledge bombs here! You're work is so damn awesome on Insta too! #beast

[@lyndaanthony6851]

It's not easy starting.... I can confess cause I want to learn photography but no where to get money for the gadgets.... My country sucks oo

[@sumitagg1]

Were you a model before becoming a photographer?

[@Joymichelle]

Ha! nope

[@karolinasur2417]

I think you should use more writing and visuals in your videos. It would engage audience more. Like when you were talking about your style you should’ve included some examples. Check out Jessica kobeissi KZbin. I think you have FANTASTIC content I love binge watching your channel- just “dress it up” for more engagement.

[@Joymichelle]

Thanks for the tip, Karolina!

[@Joymichelle]

Join my FREE photography Facebook group for even more videos bit.ly/photo-boss-fb-group