Discover how veteran photographer Susan Michal uses dance school photography to build a steady stream of high-value portrait clients without spending money on ads. In this episode of The Professional Photographer Podcast, Susan shares her step-by-step method for turning volume dance school shoots into profitable portrait sessions, including how she books $2,800 fairy sessions and even $18,000 family portraits simply by showing up in the community. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (11:08) - You have to b...
Jul 08, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Feeling stuck in a creative rut? Discover how creative play can transform your photography lighting and wow your clients! Pat Miller talks with Chicago photographer John Gress, who shares proven strategies to break routine and keep your portfolio fresh. 📸 What You’ll Learn: - Lighting exercises to push creativity - Turning Instagram inspiration into real shoots - How to build lighting mastery and attract better clients ✨ Move beyond safe setups and unlock new opportunities for growth. #photogra...
Jul 05, 2025•21 min
Feeling like your studio runs you instead of the other way around? In this video, Pat Miller interviews portrait expert Monica Sigmon about transforming a chaotic business into a purpose-driven, profitable photography studio. 📌 What You’ll Learn: - How to define a standout brand style - Setting premium pricing with confidence - Attracting clients who value your artistry - The one exercise that brought clarity and profit overnight Whether you’re in portrait, wedding, freelance, or commercial pho...
Jul 01, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Are your portraits feeling safe and predictable? This episode dives into creative play as a path to emotional, transformative portraiture. 🎯 Inside This Episode: - Creative-play exercises for photographers - Using self-portraiture to tap inner emotion - Emotional storytelling in client sessions - Harnessing discomfort for artistic breakthroughs - Combining creativity with commercial work Whether you're shooting weddings, headshots, or personal stories, these techniques will help you create work...
Jun 28, 2025•35 min
📸 Want more repeat clients and fewer one-off gigs? In this episode, Pat Miller sits down with Emily McClure—headshot and corporate photography specialist—to uncover how to build trust and turn one-time clients into consistent, long-term business. 🧠 You’ll Learn: - Proven ways to earn client loyalty - How trust and preparation set you apart - What makes corporate clients come back - Simple habits that grow repeat bookings - The mindset shift from transactional to relational photography 💬 If yo...
Jun 24, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Are you stuck in a creative rut or feel like your photography looks like everyone else’s? In this powerful episode, Pat Miller sits down with Seth Miranda and Daniel Norton to discuss how photographers can reignite their creativity, stand out in a saturated market, and build a career around their *authentic voice*. Whether you're struggling to define your style, grow an audience, or just want to feel excited about photography again—this conversation is your reset button. 📸 What You'll Learn: - ...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 1 min
📸 Find Your Marketing Style as a Photographer Are you tired of one-size-fits-all marketing advice? In this episode, veteran photographer and marketing expert Rachael Boer reveals how to build a client-attracting strategy based on YOUR unique strengths. 🎯 Inside this Episode: - Discover your marketing personality: Planner, Creator, or Connector - Learn to ditch the overwhelm and market naturally - Attract clients who love your work (and are happy to pay for it) - Get simple action steps to grow...
Jun 17, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 47
🎨 Ready to level up your photo editing game and rediscover creative joy behind the screen? In this exclusive episode, Pat Miller sits down with Julieanne Kost, Adobe’s Digital Imaging Evangelist, at Imaging USA 2025, where she shares powerful insights into creative growth, AI-powered editing, and using Lightroom and Photoshop like a pro. 📸 Whether you're a portrait photographer, wedding shooter, commercial retoucher, or a freelance creative, this episode will help you: - Master Lightroom and P...
Jun 14, 2025•33 min
Are you stuck in low-margin work and unpredictable bookings? Learn how Master Photographer Nate Peterson turned school teams and volume shoots into a high-end senior portrait pipeline. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: - How “volume to boutique” transforms your photo business - The exact process Nate uses to convert volume into premium sessions - Tips to increase average order value and attract luxury clients - Real-life marketing strategies for sustainable growth 🚀 Don’t rely on word-of-mouth or seasonal ...
Jun 10, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 46
📸 Boost Your Photography Career with Real-World Inspiration Are you feeling stuck, burned out, or uninspired in your photography career? You're not alone. In this episode, Pat Miller interviews wildlife photographer Kevin Dooley, who shares how he left the wedding industry behind and found joy photographing wildlife on African safaris. 🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How burnout led Kevin to transform his career - What it takes to become a full-time wildlife photographer - Why creative play is essentia...
Jun 07, 2025•32 min
Still making business decisions based on instinct? That could be holding you back. In this episode, Pat Miller sits down with PPA Research Manager Emilee Baum to explore how photographers can use real data to build stronger businesses. 📈 Discover: - How to benchmark your studio’s success - What current photography clients are really looking for - Which genres are growing (hint: headshots & branding!) - How to price your work with confidence - The #1 myth photographers still believe—and why ...
Jun 03, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Are you stuck shooting what clients expect instead of what lights you up? In this episode, Pat Miller sits down with renowned fashion photographer Lindsay Adler to reveal how “creative play” can grow your photography business and attract the clients you *actually* want. 🎯 Key Topics: - Portfolio strategy that wins dream clients - Why creative play is your best marketing tool - Planning personal shoots with purpose - Making your style stand out in a crowded market - How to stay inspired and book...
May 31, 2025•20 min
📸 If your photography business had to shut down tomorrow—would anyone know what to do? In this must-watch episode, Pat Miller sits down with Mike Price of Fairfield Photography, author of Quit Like a Pro, to share the essential exit strategies every photographer needs but few talk about. Whether you're preparing for retirement, facing burnout, or planning for the unexpected, Mike breaks down the photography business continuity plan all creatives should have in place. 🧠 From managing client rel...
May 27, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 44
📸 Struggling to stand out in a saturated photography market? Learn how to attract ideal clients, boost visibility, and build a sustainable business—all without relying on social media! In this episode, host Pat Miller sits down with Sandra Coan—award-winning portrait photographer, educator, and business mentor—to reveal high-converting photography marketing strategies that elevate your brand and drive real bookings. 🎯 From blogging for SEO to email marketing for photographers, Sandra shares th...
May 20, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 43
🧠 Learn how to use Google Ads to grow your photography business fast! Yaneck Wasiek shares proven strategies to book more clients and maximize ad ROI. 🎯 What You'll Learn: ✅ How to set up Google Ads campaigns that convert ✅ Creating landing pages that turn clicks into bookings ✅ Building a 13-month follow-up system to retain clients ✅ Smart budgeting tips to 3x–4x your ad spend 🚀 Perfect For: - Wedding photographers 👰♀️ - Portrait photographers 👨👩👧 - Freelancers looking to scale 💼 - C...
May 13, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 42
What Adobe’s AI Tools Can Really Do 🎙 Featuring: Alexsey Reyes, Adobe Collaborator & Creative Director 🚀 Learn how AI can: - Speed up your Lightroom & Photoshop workflow - Create mood boards and concepts instantly - Protect your photos with Adobe Content Credentials 🎯 Topics Covered: • Fast AI photo editing • Creative AI tools for photographers • Image security in the digital age • Staying authentic with generative content #AIForPhotographers #photographyworkflow #photoeditingtips #Li...
May 10, 2025•33 min
📸 Book High-Paying Headshot Jobs | Glynns Thomas on Large Corporate Photo Shoots Want to grow your photography business by landing bigger clients? In this episode, Pat Miller talks with corporate headshot expert Glynns Thomas about booking and managing high-volume corporate shoots with ease. 🎯 Topics Covered: • How to land corporate headshot jobs • Efficient systems for volume photography • Client communication strategies that lead to repeat business • Real-world advice from a working pro #Pho...
May 06, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 41
📸 Grow Your Photography Career Through Community & Collaboration | Shawn Lee & Shola Richards Tired of going it alone in a competitive industry? In this episode—recorded live at Imaging USA 2025—Pat Miller sits down with Shawn Lee and Shola Richards of “United Behind The Lens” to explore how photographers can thrive by building stronger relationships and working together. 💡 What You’ll Learn: • The power of collaboration in your photography business • Inclusive leadership strategies fo...
May 03, 2025•17 min
📸 How to 10x Your Photography Sales | In-Person Sales w/ Luci Dumas Are you tired of clients only buying digitals? In this episode, Luci Dumas shares the IPS (In-Person Sales) systems that have helped photographers transform their income—and their client experience. 🎯 Perfect for: • Wedding & portrait photographers • Freelance creatives tired of low-margin sales • Commercial pros looking to elevate their brand 🔥 What you’ll learn: • Sales consultations that convert • Setting pricing expec...
Apr 29, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Get ready to redefine your photography business approach as Pat Miller invites industry expert David Drum for an eye-opening episode on adapting to photography trends while fostering genuine industry relationships. In today's unpredictable photography landscape, industry challenges can feel overwhelming, leaving photographers questioning their path forward. David offers invaluable insights into the “wedding gap” and advocates for community collaboration as keys to thriving in this evolving marke...
Apr 26, 2025•35 min
💸 How to Master Photography Finances | Bee Trofort-Wilson for Freelance & Portrait Creatives Are your money habits holding back your photography business? In this episode, Bee Trofort-Wilson reveals the mindset and strategies photographers need to build wealth, set pricing, and take control of their financial future. 🎯 Perfect for: • Freelance photographers • Portrait & wedding photographers • Commercial creatives ready to scale 🧠 Key takeaways: • Financial systems that support your a...
Apr 22, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Uncover the profound transformation behind today's boudoir photography trend, as Pat Miller sits down with Yuliya Panchenko. Beyond the allure and aesthetics lies a realm of empowerment, healing, and personal storytelling that is redefining the genre. Did you know boudoir photography has evolved from simply gifting intimate photos to becoming a powerful tool for self-discovery and confidence restoration? In this episode, Yuliya talks about the emotional depths of boudoir sessions, showcasing the...
Apr 19, 2025•23 min
In an eye-opening episode of the Professional Photographers of America Podcast, host Pat Miller sits down with PPA high performer, Carol DeAnda, to uncover the nuances of building lasting client relationships. While snapping breathtaking photos is essential, nurturing strong client bonds is the key to a thriving photography business. Today's photographers face the dual challenge of honing their artistic skills while simultaneously managing client expectations and interactions. Carol DeAnda share...
Apr 15, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Discover the cutting-edge innovations that are revolutionizing photography as Pat Miller dives deep with Sony's El Deane Naude in this very informative episode. As technology races forward, staying ahead can feel overwhelming, but Sony is paving the future of photography with breakthroughs that promise to transform how we capture and process images. El Deane reveals the latest in Sony’s mirrorless advancements, AI integration, and how global shutter technology is set to change the landscape of p...
Apr 12, 2025•46 min
Ready to shake up the traditional photography business model? Pat Miller chats with industry innovator Dan McClanahan, owner of McClanahan Studio, for an eye-opening episode on transitioning from a brick-and-mortar studio to a profitable digital file-based business. For years, selling prints in person was the gold standard for professional photographers. But Dan McClanahan reveals a game-changing approach that challenges the status quo and offers a more flexible, client-friendly system. This epi...
Apr 08, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Join expert Vanessa Joy on The Professional Photographer Podcast as she shares the latest trends and seismic changes impacting the wedding photography industry in this engaging episode. In a social media-driven era, wedding photography trends have begun to mirror the nostalgic memories of clients’ childhoods, creating a unique challenge for photographers trained in traditional methods. Vanessa Joy explains how vintage-inspired looks with direct flash and motion blur are now capturing clients' he...
Apr 05, 2025•17 min
Ready to take your photography studio from surviving to thriving? Join Pat Miller as he dives into a wealth of knowledge with Lindsay Betz, co-owner of one of the nation's best-performing studios, Jonathan Betz Photography in Colorado Springs. In an industry where beautiful photos abound, standing out can be a challenge. Lindsay Betz offers transformative insights that go beyond just taking pictures. Discover how cultivating meaningful client relationships and understanding your true business va...
Apr 01, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Are you ready to stop undervaluing your photography work and start charging what you're truly worth? Join Pat Miller as he hosts pricing guru Sheryl Bashore, who reveals how photographers can confidently set their prices to boost income and self-worth. Feeling trapped by low pricing in a seemingly undervalued market? Sheryl Bashore breaks it down why it's all about mindset, rather than just location or clientele. As she puts it, photographers are their own competition. With the right moves, you ...
Mar 29, 2025•15 min
Unveil the secrets of top-tier fashion photography as Pat Miller hosts an in-depth conversation with AB+DM Studio's Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice. This episode explores the pivotal role of creative play in achieving photography mastery and navigating the unpredictable world of high-profile shoots. In a realm where creativity is lauded but uncertainty looms large, establishing professional prowess is non-negotiable. Ahmad and Donté reveal how they integrate creative play into their jam-packed sc...
Mar 25, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Get ready to redefine your approach to photography with insights from master photographer Tim Walden, as Pat Miller explores the profound art of relationship photography. Photography is often celebrated for its technical mastery, but rarely do we hear discussions that deeply emphasize cherishing client relationships. Tim Walden reimagines photography as a medium that goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on the tales and emotions behind every click. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (02:08) - Technical Excell...
Mar 22, 2025•15 min
