Have you ever challenged and changed your unconscious beliefs about money? Dorie recently sat down with Heather Lahtinen to discuss the importance of talking about money and the impact of our default money philosophy on our businesses. They explore how our upbringing and past experiences shape our beliefs about money and how these beliefs can limit our success in business. They also discuss the challenges of pricing and the importance of stretching our comfort levels when it comes to charging fo...
Jun 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 108
In this episode, we chat with Leeann Golish, a successful wedding photographer based in Pittsburgh. With over 16 years of experience, Leeann shares her unique approach to marketing her business and maintaining positive client relationships. From embracing unexpected advertising to adapting her business as she relocated her family, Leeann explores strategies for sustaining a profitable business during an ever-evolving marketplace. What does it take to add new genres to your business without dilut...
Jun 12, 2024•32 min•Ep. 107
Have you ever considered ditching what you're told to do and carving your own path instead? This episode talks to equine photographer Karinda Kinsler, who did just that. Unraveling how she built multiple successful photography brands, Karinda shares golden nuggets that you can learn from to avoid as she candidly discusses the traps she fell into and artistic transitions she made. If you’re ready to find more magic in your business, this episode brings forth the perfect story to hook. Links: 365 ...
Jun 05, 2024•33 min•Ep. 106
In this episode, Dorie discusses the difference between being a hobbyist and a professional photographer. She emphasizes that being a professional is not just about charging money for your services, but also about adhering to certain standards and acting in a professional manner. Is it about getting paid, or is it more about adhering to certain technical or ethical standards? Defy your preconceptions and explore with Dorie as she challenges the common definitions. Tune in for some critical self-...
May 29, 2024•24 min•Ep. 105
In today's episode of Focal Points, we are joined by Jessica Wasik of Bark and Gold Photography, a pet photographer who excels in charitable marketing initiatives and calendar contests. Jessica shares how these strategies have significantly boosted her business and sales, and how it can work for you too. Jessica gives us the behind-the-scenes of how she runs her annual calendar contest, how she partners with local charities, and how these initiatives help her connect with the community while als...
May 22, 2024•27 min•Ep. 104
Do you love taking online courses? They can be convenient, give you access to experts, can be flexible, and cost-effective. On today’s episode, Dorie shares her perspectives on the pros and cons of online education. She also walks through the things you should look for when signing up for any web courses. Don’t miss out on the discount to Dorie’s coaching programs! Want to get the latest marketing information that you can use in your business today? Sign up for Dorie’s Free Weekly Cull Newslette...
May 15, 2024•33 min•Ep. 103
In this episode of the Focal Points podcast, Dorie sits down with Annemie Tonken, owner of the “This Can’t Be That Hard” photography education platform, to discuss the importance of business alignment in running a successful photography operation. Annemie shares her journey from being a nurse to becoming a photographer, her mantra that inspired the name of her business, and how she focuses on making photography less hard for others through her education platform. With Annemie's enlightening '5 P...
May 08, 2024•34 min•Ep. 102
In this episode, Dorie discusses the dirty word in the photography industry… free . She explores some of the advantages and disadvantages of doing free work. Dorie emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and having a clear plan when accepting free work, including collecting email addresses for future marketing efforts. "Working for free, the other F word, is not always a bad thing. Working for free without a strategy is a bad thing." Want to get the latest marketing information that you ...
May 01, 2024•29 min•Ep. 101
In today's milestone 100th podcast episode, Dorie takes a look back at the evolution of the podcast since episode #1. Dorie shares snippets of wisdom from past guests that you can lean into right now. Pricing and customer service, scheduling social media content, tax strategy and outsourcing, capturing great pet expressions, and the value of uniqueness are just a few of the topics covered by these experts. You won’t want to miss Dorie’s special discount on her coaching programs in celebration of...
Apr 24, 2024•31 min•Ep. 100
In today’s episode, Betsy Bird, an equine photographer, shares with Dorie her insights on time management and juggling responsibilities. She discusses how she balances her photography business with being a mother of three and managing her children's activities. Betsy emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and task blocking to stay organized and focused. They also explore the different ways people prefer to organize, whether it's through digital tools or physical lists. The conversation ...
Apr 17, 2024•42 min•Ep. 99
In this must-listen episode, Dorie dives deep into the debilitating emotions of guilt and shame. She dissects the differences between these two often misunderstood emotions, painting clear scenarios on how they can manifest in your work. Dorie shares her personal experiences and provides insightful advice on gaining the confidence to make decisions without fear or regret. You won’t want to miss this episode that is sure to inspire you if you’re looking to break free from the limits of guilt and ...
Apr 10, 2024•25 min•Ep. 98
In this episode, Dorie welcomes Jordan Duvall, a branding expert extraordinaire. Jordan shares her journey from designing movie posters to launching a photography business and eventually combining branding, marketing, strategy, color energetics, and NLP in her company, Ignite Your Soul Brand. She stresses the importance of creating a brand that reflects who you are and resonates with your target audience. This episode is a treasure trove of branding know-how you won't want to miss! Links: ignite...
Apr 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 97
In today’s episode, Dorie explores how understanding and clear communication form the backbone of issue resolution. It's not just about soothing a difficult situation, but turning it into a growth opportunity for both parties. With an introduction to a new program called Resolution Roadmap , this episode might just turn your client issue into your next big breakthrough. Don’t forget to use the code PODCAST for 20% OFF ! Want to get the latest marketing information that you can use in your busine...
Mar 27, 2024•27 min•Ep. 96
Are you an artist first and a business person second? Struggling to reconcile these two sides of your photography career? Today Dorie walks listeners through the challenges of pricing in the photography business with insights on the three primary pricing models that can be utilized; cost plus pricing, competitive pricing, and value-based pricing. Find out if you have inadvertently slipped into the most dangerous pricing trap with competitive pricing and unlock strategies to guard against becomin...
Mar 20, 2024•30 min•Ep. 95
What if your weekend photography exploits could be more than just a hobby? This episode of Focal Points explores the booming trend of the creative side hustle. We talk about managing a side hustle while maintaining your full-time job, considering everything from legal implications to work-life balance. Learn from those who've been there and done that- and succeeded! Explore the common pitfalls and unique rewards of this journey, and plot out your own path from employee to entrepreneur. Turn your...
Mar 13, 2024•24 min•Ep. 94
In this episode, Dorie is joined by Andrew “Fundy” Funderburg, the founder of Fundy Software. Fundy shares the path he took from considering himself a mediocre photographer to creating highly successful software that enables photographers to streamline their business and increase their bottom line. You won’t want to miss it as he outlines the three buckets: showcase more, design more, and present more to help photographers make at least an extra $50,000 through printed product! Links: Fundy Soft...
Mar 06, 2024•28 min•Ep. 93
Are you a struggling professional photographer hesitant to try something outside the box because there's no guarantee of success? Do you find emerging trends intimidating? Today Dorie explores a well-known business strategy – the SWOT analysis - using the real-life example of Emma, a struggling photographer in Austin. This traditionally mundane topic could help her (and possibly you) to leverage strengths, confront weaknesses, seize opportunities, and mitigate threats in your business. "If you a...
Feb 28, 2024•27 min•Ep. 92
When running your own photography business, it can be easy to overlook the importance of having a solid backup team. Tune in as Dorie shares how to find these professionals – the tax expert, the small business attorney, and the insurance professional – and the right questions to ask them to make sure they can support your business needs effectively. You won’t want to miss her insights into how having the right team can help you safeguard your business during any unexpected hiccups. Want to get t...
Feb 21, 2024•23 min•Ep. 91
Whether you're a multi-platinum recording artist or a parent hosting a party, chances are, imposter syndrome lurks in some corner of your mind, eating away at your confidence. Dorie asks the question: “How can we recognize our worth, recognize the fact that we are worthy of earning the money, getting the clients, all those different things without being limited by the negative thoughts that we have in our mind?”… What would your answer be? Dorie shares some practical strategies to combat this sy...
Feb 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 90
Join us in this special episode featuring Nicole Begley, Dorie Howell, Tavia Redburn, and Heather Lahtinen. These photography marketing experts bring an avalanche of tips and strategies so you can thrive in today's high-paced marketing environment. Get the lowdown on effective marketing campaigns, banishing fear in selling, the power of networking, and more. Tune in, grab your notepad, and prepare to ramp up your marketing game! Want to get the latest marketing information that you can use in yo...
Feb 07, 2024•40 min•Ep. 89
The camera market can sometimes feel like a maze, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned photographer. Bob Merhaut from Ace Photo joins Dorie to share his insights on grappling with pricing, recognizing "Gray Market" products, and understanding the benefits of buying used gear. You won’t want to miss their discussion on making conscious decisions when upgrading equipment and strategies for those who may not have a local camera store at their disposal! Want to get the latest marketing information ...
Jan 31, 2024•37 min•Ep. 88
With photography websites, is it really about you or your client? In this episode Dorie sits down with family photographer and business coach, Kate Hejde. Listen in as they discuss the value of prioritizing customer needs, ways to strategically streamline website strategy, simplify language, and create a warmer digital ‘welcome.’ Whether it's reframing your ‘about page’, using customer language or adopting smarter SEO strategies, this episode could be the game-changer your photography business n...
Jan 24, 2024•38 min•Ep. 87
Today Dorie discusses a topic seldom discussed in the photography field. Many photographers have toyed with the idea of quitting photography due to various struggles and roadblocks they face. Here, Dorie sheds light on the realities of this decision, initiating a much-needed conversation for many in the industry. She discusses why someone might decide to quit photography, factors they should consider, and how to handle the transition. If you've ever wondered whether to persist or let go, this ep...
Jan 17, 2024•29 min
In this episode, Dorie sits down with photographer Juliet Lofaro. Juliet shares with Dorie about her unique journey into photography and her experiences working with performers and regular people. Her early work was in celebrity headshots and production stills and after a move from the city to upstate New York she focused on building connections in her new community. You won’t want to miss the part of the discussion on bringing out expressions and emotions in photography! Want to get the latest ...
Jan 10, 2024•41 min•Ep. 85
In this episode of the Focal Points Podcast, we look at the importance of having a comprehensive business plan in place for your photography studio. Listen as we dive into how to tackle the often dreaded task of crafting a solid business plan that sets your business up for success. Whether you're a new creative or an experienced photographer, this episode offers a fresh perspective on business planning that will empower you to plan to win. Don't miss the chance to mold the business you've always...
Jan 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 84
Today Dorie Howell is joined by guest Chris Woolley, a fellow photographer with a reputation for generosity and deep knowledge of pricing within the industry. They discuss pricing strategies for photographers, addressing issues such as setting a desired salary, determining a business model, crafting a price list, and more. No fluff, just actionable advice on how to stay profitable and competitive without scaring away potential clients. Clear your calendar, grab a notepad, and dive into this insp...
Dec 27, 2023•32 min•Ep. 83
In this episode Dorie sits down with Heather Lahtinen of the Flourish Academy about the importance of decision-making in business. They discuss the ways in which overthinking can hinder progress and the significance of making well-thought-out decisions quickly to keep the business moving forward. Sometimes, you might think there's a decision to make when actually there isn't one. Heather also shares eight steps that can guide one in the decision-making process. If you're a photography entreprene...
Dec 20, 2023•17 min•Ep. 82
In this episode, we spoke to Joy, a talented pet photographer from PupTent Photography based in Calgary, Canada. Joy shares her experience of starting a business, reaching and engaging with clientele, and her passion for capturing pets in all four seasons outdoors. From being a zoologist and dedicated stay-at-home mom to becoming a successful pet photographer, Joy’s story is a testament to the power of pivoting and following your passion. Tune in to learn how she marries her love for animals, ou...
Dec 13, 2023•38 min•Ep. 81
In the last episode, Dorie talked about hiring do's and don'ts when you need help in your business. So you hired someone! As an employer, it's your responsibility to make sure every team member is a good fit for your business. What do you do when hiring an employee doesn't work out and it's crucial to let them go? Dorie shares what steps you need to take to protect both the soon-to-be former employee's dignity and your business's interests. Want to get the latest marketing information that you c...
Dec 06, 2023•23 min•Ep. 80
This episode of Focal Points is all about growing your business through hiring. Dorie delves into hiring do's and don'ts, how to create a comprehensive job description, and why trusting your gut is vitally important when making hiring decisions. Learn how to cultivate meaningful work relationships by understanding employee feedback and support systems, and how to help your new hire integrate seamlessly into your workplace culture. The tips will definitely help you hire the right help! Want to ge...
Nov 29, 2023•26 min•Ep. 79
