Photo Happy Hour - podcast cover

Photo Happy Hour

Michael Mowbray, Carl Caylor, Dan Frievaltphotohappyhour.buzzsprout.com
A fun and engaging chat about anything and everything you need to know to be a professional photographer. Loose, casual, and light-hearted, your hosts, master photographers Carl Caylor, Dan Frievalt, and Michael Mowbray, tip back their favorite drinks and provide a ton of insight on how to run a successful photography business. Helpful, sometimes intelligent, and always entertaining.
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Episodes

Tips on finishing out the year right

Let us know what you think about the podcast! It's December, boys and girls, and you know what that means? Time to get totally nogged and do some important year ends tasks for your business. And take some time to relax. But really, do these other things, too. This week we give our tips for things that you should be looking at or doing before January 1 slides on in. Along the way, Dan confesses why he's been extra naughty this year. Michael talks about nogging. And Carl brags about his ginormous ...

Dec 14, 202053 minSeason 1Ep. 29

The most wonderful podcast of the year!

Let us know what you think about the podcast! This episode is chock full of holiday cheer ! And by the sound of it, the guys are chock full of cheer as well. ;) Do you hear what I hear? True believers will hear the gentle tinkle of lots of great ideas for stuffing your stocking. Plus we share some valuable knowledge with you like... What should you do when a sommelier hands you a cork ? And... What makes bourbon "bourbon"? Link to our sponsor: TCPPA Link to Dan's SU Insiders waitlist Your Hosts:...

Dec 04, 20201 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 28

A Peek Behind the Curtain of Print Competition and Judging

Let us know what you think about the podcast! So you'd like to learn a little bit about how print competition works ? You came to the right place. This week we pull back the curtain on print competition and give you some insight from the judges' points of view . Hang onto your butts as we take a deep dive into the depths of print competition. This week you'll also hear the Legend of the Bar Squeeze . Pop culture references include Titanic, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Godfather, and M...

Nov 24, 20201 hr 18 minSeason 1Ep. 27

The Huge Benefits of Outsourcing: An Interview with Ty Fischer of Rebooku

Let us know what you think about the podcast! I can sense as you listen to this at 2a.m. that you might be a little tired of staying up late editing and retouching your photos. Never fear, good photo citizen. There can be hope and a bright light at the end of the tunnel (check for trains first, just to be safe). If you haven't tried outsourcing, don't walk, run your fingers over your keyboard and go to the magic world of Rebooku at www.rebooku.com . All three of us outsource a majority of our re...

Nov 18, 202056 minSeason 1Ep. 26

The Power of Community and Connections

Let us know what you think about the podcast! To paraphrase the great philosopher PeeWee Herman , as solo photographers we are loners, Dottie. Rebels. Because most of us work on our own, it's even more important that we reach out to connect with other weird folks like us. That's where the power of the photography community can help. There are many opportunities to connect and share with like-minded folks, and learn from what others have done to grow and improve. This week we chat about this and ...

Oct 27, 202054 minSeason 1Ep. 25

The Jenn Lewis Interview: easy ways to increase your sales averages and much more

Let us know what you think about the podcast! This week we chat with senior photographer and business/sales guru Jenn Lewis from Clemmons, North Carolina. In between a lot of laughs and fun we layout some solid business and sales advice that could help you increase your sales immediately . We also hear about Jenn's self challenge for October: add on $25k in sales in 30 days -- and the answer isn't doing 500 $50 mini sessions . Along the way we chat about about the pros and cons of buying a build...

Oct 02, 20201 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Learn Lighting and Composition from Hollywood

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Movies not only entertain us, they can also inspire us as photographers . After all, as a photographer you are the director, cinematographer, set designer, prop master, and more for your clients. So it only makes sense to look to the movies for inspiration on lighting, color grading, composition and framing, storytelling, and so on. There really is a lot we can learn from watching a great movie. This week we chat about movies that inspire us ...and w...

Sep 18, 20201 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Fun with Words - an interview with Kimberley Anderson of Red Curl Creative

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Words can be fun. In fact, some of us use them everyday! In this episode we interview photography copywriter extraordinaire Kimberley Anderson . A veteran of the grueling wedding photography wars, Kimberley pivoted pre-Covid to focus on her other passion: crafting the right words for photographers . In this episode you will learn what should be in your bio (and what should NOT be -- I'm looking at you, coffee and yoga), and what common mistakes most ...

Sep 11, 202057 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Tips and war stories for staying healthy as a photographer

Let us know what you think about the podcast! It's hard to stay healthy when you're a photographer. From repetitive motion injuries, to bad backs and necks, to having to photograph weddings through sickness and pain, photography can definitely mess you up . In this episode we share some of our war stories and more importantly, wise tips for staying healthy . This week's random pop culture references include Muhammad Ali, monks in the middle ages, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stuart Smalley. Along the way ...

Sep 03, 20201 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 21

What's gnu? Are you trying anything new in your studio?

Let us know what you think about the podcast! What gnu things are you trying in your photography business? After all, could there be any better time to mix things up and try some new stuff? This week the guys chat about the new things they are working on and trying out. Give it a listen and maybe you'll be inspired to try something new as well. Along the way we give you a few tips about the California wine country, share our current binge shows, and learn that the best cigars are "the most expen...

Aug 24, 202050 minSeason 1Ep. 20

The Dan McClanahan interview: A new approach to senior photography

Let us know what you think about the podcast! This may be the smartest episode we've done yet! Wise beyond his years, Dan McClanahan joins us to share his new commercial approach to senior photography . If you're not familiar with Dan's work, stop reading now and check it out. https://www.mcclanahanstudio.net/ Then come back and listen to this great interview. Thought provoking and hilarious throughout, you're going to want to listen and take notes . Topics we also hit include: Dan's Yelp review...

Aug 12, 20201 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 19

A patchwork quilt of random photography awesomeness

Let us know what you think about the podcast! This is a magical episode where we took all of the random topics that didn't merit an entire episode and blended them all into one melange of tasty torpitude. Michael kicks things off with a rant about studio name s and things go downhill (in a good way) from there. Carl laments that he thinks he's going blind from...lack of fishing, which prompts Dan to declare that he's "never been too drunk to drink ". Along the way you'll learn about such fascina...

Jul 28, 202057 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Websites

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Is it important to have a website for your photography business? Oh, most definitely. This week the guys discuss the why and how of photography websites , and why one cannot live on social media alone. Along the way Michael busts out a Gwen Stefani riff, Carl talks about wearing the same shirts all the time, and Dan "casually" mentions his pricing product at store.seniorsunlocked.com. This week's pop culture references include Alta Vista (again), Ald...

Jul 18, 20201 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Marketing Ideas

Let us know what you think about the podcast! What marketing lessons can we learn from other businesses and industries? This episode is packed full of wisdomous ideas as we chat about what we can learn from a variety of sources such as McDonalds, spring break bars, luxury automobiles, Mexican beach vendors, fine dining restaurants, and of course, cavemen. Dan struggles early with the word "correlation". Michael and Dan both talk about how to look and sound busy when you really aren't. Carl talks...

Jul 09, 20201 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 16

How to improve the customer experience

Let us know what you think about the podcast! This special episode features the audio pulled from our LIVE video podcast. Check out our Facebook group to watch the replay. What is your customer experience like? In this special episode, the guys share tips on how to improve the overall customer experience, which they all agree is the most important factor in contributing to customer happiness and satisfaction . Along the way Carl shows the real reason why Yeti's are hard to find. Dan gets literal...

Jun 28, 20201 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Making the transition from natural light to flash

Let us know what you think about the podcast! It's a big step, right? Moving from using only available light (often called "natural light", but isn't all light "natural"?) to learning off-camera flash can be daunting. It's a question we often get as we mentor other photographers. So we took on this tough subject and hopefully made it a little easier for you to understand and make the transition. Of course, along the way we get derailed on some interesting tangents. Michael shares what Froot Loop...

Jun 10, 202055 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Posing

Let us know what you think about the podcast! The guys get together and give you great tips on being posers. Uh, I meant, great posing tips . Along they way they acknowledge the USA sending Bob and Doug into space (take off, eh?). Dan coins a new word: varely. Carl talks about the difficulty in laying pipe in the dark. And Michael breaks out his Batman voice. Informative and entertaining, grab your favorite beverage and press "play" . And don't forget to subscribe! Your Hosts: Michael Mowbray , ...

Jun 04, 20201 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Things clients say

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Clients say the darndest things. Like Dan mentions, this could be an episode of Family Feud. This week the guys wrestle with the hard and sometimes weird things that clients ask or request. Along the way we drink a little and even provide some good answers to these head-scratchers. Imagine that? So how do you answer the question, "How much is an 8x10?" Or, "Can I see all of the photos you took?" Or even, "What if I only want to buy one pitcher?" List...

May 26, 20201 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 12

The Murder Hornets of Photography

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Just when things couldn't get weirder...MURDER HORNETS! They actually sound worse than reality, and like many things, got a little overhyped. Which got us to thinking...and drinking: What's overhyped in the photography industry? We made sure to get a good headstart on this Photo Happy Hour before we even hit the record button. You'll notice that when Carl realizes that we're actually recording after about 5 minutes. And Dan nearly strangles himself t...

May 20, 202052 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Do you need a mentor?

Let us know what you think about the podcast! How can you improve your photography and business skills rapidly ? Find a mentor. Or should we say, find a good mentor that is specific to what you want to learn. In this episode the guys talk about the benefits of mentors ...both in finding one or more for yourself and also as being a mentor to others. Along the way Dan proposes the benefits of margaritas as a morning smoothie replacement. Michael gives tips on consecrating PopTarts for "recliner ch...

May 05, 202059 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Photo software and apps

Let us know what you think about the podcast! There are a ton of software programs and apps out there...a lot are good, and many are, uh, not. Learn what software and apps the guys are using to add creativity and polish to their images beyond standard Photoshop and Lightroom. Along the way Dan poses the great question of our time: what makes bourbon "bourbon" ?. You'll find out how to get to Michael's place via the GAPS ( giant animal positioning system -- "turn right after the giant cow"). And ...

Apr 28, 20201 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 9

How to identify your ideal client

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Who is your ideal client ? How would you describe them? What's their persona? (Is it "per-sowna" or "per-sohna"?) What is your niche? (Is it "nitch" or "neesh"? We aren't expert linguists, that's for sure.) The guys chat about their ideal clients and ways that you can better identify who your ideal clients are , and how to attract them to your photography business. Along the way we drink a little, have some fun, and get off track a few times to discu...

Apr 21, 20201 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Brainstorming Session

Let us know what you think about the podcast! The guys live brainstorm ideas on what they can do now to adapt to the dramatic changes we face and be better prepared for when the economy begins to reengage. They cover a wide range of topics, from pricing and products, to business practices, to marketing and social media. All while tossing back a few of their favorite drinks. Michael muddles some creative sugar with some business bitters to craft an Old Fashioned. Dan whips up a martini of brainst...

Apr 14, 20201 hrSeason 1Ep. 7

Location Location Location

Let us know what you think about the podcast! How can you find killer locations for your photo sessions? The guys give their pointers on how to find great locations and what to look for when you get there, as well as all the details you need to know regarding photographing in public places and on land you do not own. If you hear some ice clinking in the background it's because Dan and Carl were extra thirsty. ;) (And Michael may have given up on trying to edit them all out.) Informative and ente...

Apr 07, 202055 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Our Favorite Lighting Tools

Let us know what you think about the podcast! The guys finally talk a little bit about gear and share what lighting gear they use and what their favorite lighting modifiers are. Of course, there are some fun tangents -- Dan is drinking box wine and talks about "dymamnic" lighting, Carl thinks Michael's voice is sexy and plans to pay more attention to his conference nuggets, and Michael ponies up some cash to get a celebrity cameo at the very end of the show. Informative and entertaining, grab yo...

Mar 31, 20201 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Roadblocks...how do you get around them?

Let us know what you think about the podcast! We're living in interesting times right now, and if you have a photography business or one that depends on the photography industry you currently might be facing some major roadblocks or hurdles. In this episode the guys talk frankly about what can be done now and what they have done in the past for recessions and other industry roadblocks they have faced. Informative and entertaining at the same time. This is one you don't want to miss, so grab your...

Mar 24, 20201 hrSeason 1Ep. 4

Photo Assistants...are your fer 'em or agin 'em?

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Some photographers always work with an assistant. Others never do. What should you do? When it comes to assistants, are ye fer 'em or agin 'em? Dan, Carl and Michael have a few Photo Happy Hour drinks and talk through the upside and downside to working with assistants. Grab your favorite beverage and play along. When we call a "sociable" that means every one drinks! And, maybe learn a valuable thing or two from these experienced professional photogra...

Mar 16, 202054 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Home Studio vs Retail Studio...Which studio should you doodio?

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Dan, Carl and Michael share their experiences in owning and running both home and retail studios and dig down deep to give you all the pros and cons for each. Learn what pitfalls you should watch out for, the best approach to roasting yak if you have a home-based studio, and why Michael gets shunned by his neighbor. Enlightening and entertaining as always.Taped live in the alley behind Willie McGillicuddies pub, grab a glass of your favorite adult be...

Mar 15, 202057 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Creativity in Photography -- Where does your creativity come from?

Let us know what you think about the podcast! Dan, Carl, and Michael kickoff this new podcast series by tackling the topic of Creativity in Photography. Over happy hour drinks they share where their creativity comes from -- what inspires them, what the process is like, where they find frustration...the whole enchilada. Recorded live with drinks from the drivethru at Taco Bell at 2 in the morning, this episode gives you a good taste of what's to come! Your hosts: Dan Frievalt, Carl Caylor, Michae...

Mar 12, 20201 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 1
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