Unpopular Opinions with Sandra Coan | A Photography & Business Podcast - podcast cover

Unpopular Opinions with Sandra Coan | A Photography & Business Podcast

The go-to podcast for maternity, newborn and family photographers looking for insight into the art and business of photography. Sandra Coan is an award winning photographer, industry educator and best selling author with over 25 years experience working in the photography industry. On this podcast, she's sharing every thing she's learned over the course of her career. No holding back. No gate keeping. Just real talk and honest opinions, even if they're unpopular. To learn more visit: www.sandracoanstudios.com Instagram: @sandracoan

Episodes

060: Day One: 2022 Marketing Makeover

Welcome today one of the 2022 Marketing Makeover! All week long I'll be sharing the audio from the Marketing Makeover I'm hosting in my Beyond Natural Light Facebook group!  The Marketing Makeover is a free, five-day mini-course designed to help you get your marketing plan going for the year.  Each day I'll share a new lesson and you'll be given a prompt to answer!  SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/day-one-2022-marketing-makeover LINKS If you'd like to join us...

Jan 17, 202214 minSeason 3Ep. 60

059: My Conversation with Richard Photo Lab!

As a professional photographer, and especially as a film or hybrid photographer, your photo lab is your creative partner.  In today's episode, I'm talking with Colleen Taylor from Richard Photo Lab all about the importance of choosing a lab, what your lab can do for you and your business AND about our new collaboration!   SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/my-conversation-with-richard-photo-lab LINKS To learn more about Film Bootcamp, follow this link: https://www.ri...

Jan 11, 202232 min

058: Does Your Business Need a Marketing Makeover?

What are your goals for the New Year? If they include getting more clients, ranking higher on search engines like Google and standing out from the crowd on social media, then your business may be in need of a marketing makeover... and if so, this episode is for you! Join our Beyond Natural Light Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sandracoaneducation

Jan 04, 20226 minSeason 3Ep. 58

057: 2021 Year in Review

On today's episode, I'm looking back on the year!  And sharing my plans for 2022! Here are some of the highlights: Our TOP three PODCASTS of the year were: 037: The 3 Things You Need to Know to Create Your Ideal Light: https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/need-to-know-create-ideal-light 025: Niching Down to Build Your Business Up with Rebecca Serpe!: https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/niching-down-build-business-up-rebecca-serpe 028: An Extra 100k?! Yes Please!: https://www....

Dec 28, 202113 minSeason 2Ep. 57

056: Love Dark & Moody Photography? This Episode Is for You!

I'm turning 50 this week, and to celebrate I'm have a HUGE sale!  One of the things on sale is my NEW lighting course, Dark & Moody.  In this course, I teach my one light approach to create beautiful dark & moody lighting with strobes and flash!   On today's episode, I'm talking to photographer Kristina Mullen.  Kristina was one of the first people to enroll in Dark & Moody and she's sharing what she learned and how she's using it in her business! SHOWNOTES https:...

Nov 23, 202117 minSeason 2Ep. 52

055: The Story of My FREAKING Life!

My birthday is on Nov. 28th.  Which means, it's always overshadowed by Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Cyber Monday.  Well, this year I'm turning 50, and I'm not going to let the big Holiday week steal my thunder!  On today's episode, I'm sharing my plans!  And spoiler: they involve HUGE savings for you! LINKS Sign up for today's FREE training and learn all about The Missing Link: https://sandracoan.lpages.co/pin-free-webinar/  Find your new photography BFFs in our Beyond Natu...

Nov 16, 202112 minSeason 1Ep. 55

054: Inside the Six-Figure Studio: "What is going on with your Instagram?!"

Have you noticed things looking a little different lately on my Instagram feed?  If so, you are not alone!  On today's episode I'm sharing a conversation from my Six-Figure Studio coaching call, all about what is going on with my Instagram, as well as how to handle making changes to your own brand and business.  SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/what-is-going-on-with-your-instagram LINKS  Sign up for today's FREE training: https://sandracoan.lpages.co/pin-...

Nov 09, 202116 minSeason 2Ep. 53

053: What to Do If You're Not Busy During the Busy Season

This is the time of year that photographers love to get on social media and complain about how busy they are. I’ll admit it.  I’ve done it too. And while it can be hard to keep up with the Fall and Holiday rush, it’s even harder to hear about others who are exhausted from all the work coming their way when you’re inbox is empty. So what do you do if you’re not busy in the busy season?  That's what we're talking about today! SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/not-busy...

Nov 02, 202113 min

052: My $20k Email

Last week I sent an email out to my client list that has since generated $20K in booked revenue for my studio!  In today's episode, I'm going to tell you what that email was about and what you can do in your own business right now to start getting similar results! SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/my-20k-email LINKS For more information on The Mini Method, follow this link: https://sandra-coan-education.teachable.com/p/the-mini-method Sign up for today's FREE training: h...

Oct 26, 202113 minSeason 2Ep. 52

051: Stop Asking the WRONG Questions!

If you are a natural light photographer who is ready to learn how to create your own "natural light", the first thing you need to do is STOP asking the wrong questions! In today's episode, Sandra shares some of the most common questions photographers ask about strobes and flash that lead to poor results, wasted money and a lot of frustration.  And she'll share what to ask instead that will get you the results you want! SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/stop-asking-the-wr...

Oct 19, 202111 min

050: 3 Things You Must Know to Eliminate the Slow Season from Your Photography Business

Friends.  The dreaded slow season is just around the corner!  On today's episode, I'm sharing the 3 things I did in my own business to eliminate the slow season and ensure that I'm consistently booking clients all year long!  SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/eliminate-slow-season-from-photography-business LINKS Download my free guide to getting started with strobes and flash: https://sandracoan.lpages.co/free-blueprint-to-craft-your-ideal-light/   Grab my...

Oct 12, 202115 minSeason 2Ep. 50

049: Letting Go of the “Shoulds”

On today's episode, I'm sharing what happened in my own business when I stopped comparing myself to others people's work and businesses and instead, focused on my own artistic voice and vision.   SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/letting-go-of-the-shoulds LINKS Be the first to hear when doors are open for the Six-Figure Studio: https://sandra-coan-photography.ck.page/19b3b91b88 Find your new photography BFFS in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sand...

Oct 05, 202111 minSeason 2Ep. 49

048: It’s NOT about the Gear!

Have you ever had someone say "Wow!  That's a great picture... you must have a really good camera!"⁠. It drives you crazy right?!  Because every photographer knows that it's not about the gear... it's about the person using it!⁠ Well, the same thing can be said about lighting equipment.⁠ You do not need a ton of gear or the most expensive brands to create beautiful natural-looking light!⁠ You can create the same look with an inexpensive Speedlight and a $25 umbrella.⁠ It's not about th...

Sep 28, 202110 minSeason 2Ep. 48

047: Using Flash on Location for Birth Photography

On today's episode I'm talking to Florida Birth Photographer Natalie Zepp about how she uses what she learned about creating light inside of The Missing Link to photograph labor and delivery photos for her clients.  If you've ever wondered about taking your lighting equipment on location, this episode is for you!  SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/using-flash-on-location-birth-photography LINKS Learn to create natural looking light in 7 days or less in The Missing L...

Sep 21, 202122 minSeason 2Ep. 47

046: 3 Things You Need to Know to Create Beautiful Light with Strobes and Flash

Creating beautiful natural-looking light with strobes and flash is so much easier that many photographers think. On today's episode I'm sharing the three things you need to know to begin crafting YOUR version of ideal light!   SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/3-things-to-know-to-create-beautiful-light-strobes-flash LINKS Learn to create natural looking light in 7 days or less in The Missing Link: h ttps://sandracoan.lpages.co/the-missing-link/ Find your new photography ...

Sep 14, 202110 minSeason 2Ep. 46

045: Inside the Six-Figure Studio: Should You Publish Your Pricing?

Have you ever felt torn between publishing your pricing or excluding it from your website? On today's episode, I'm sharing a conversation from a Six-Figure Studio group coaching call answering this question. SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/should-you-publish-your-pricing LINKS Be the first to hear when doors are open for the Six-Figure Studio: https://sandra-coan-photography.ck.page/19b3b91b88 Find your new photography BFFS in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.co...

Sep 07, 20217 min

044: How to Use Slowness in Your Business to Work on Your Business with Tegan Monaco

On today's episode, I'm sharing a conversation with Canadian photography Tegan Monaco all about how she used the slowness caused by covid lockdowns to work on building her business foundations.  Tegan shares exactly what she did while times were slow, as well as the incredible payoff she's had now that she can see clients again. If you're needing a little inspiration, this episode is for you! SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/how-to-use-slowness-in-business LINKS Tegan's...

Aug 31, 202125 minSeason 2Ep. 44

043: Inside the Six-Figure Studio: What to Put on Your About Page

On today's episode, we're talking about how to use your "About" page on your website to help inform and serve your clients! SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/what-to-put-on-about-page LINKS Be the first to hear when doors are open for the Six-Figure Studio: https://sandra-coan-photography.ck.page/19b3b91b88 Find your new photography BFFS in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sandracoaneducation Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandracoan/...

Aug 17, 202115 minSeason 2Ep. 43

042: Inside the Six-Figure Studio: What’s Your Through Line?

When did you fall in love with photography? What made you pick a camera for the very first time?  How did you shoot before you started sharing your work with others?  If you weren't concerned about getting paying clients, what direction would you go with your photograph? These are all important questions to ask, and the answers will help you find your authentic voice! One today's episode, I'm sharing a conversation we had about this very thing inside the Six-Figure Studio.  SHOWNO...

Aug 10, 202113 min

041: Branding VS Marking: What’s the difference and how do they work together?

On today's episode, we're talking about the differences between branding and marketing and how they work together in our photography business. If you enjoyed, please don't forget to leave a five star review! SHOWNOTES https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/branding-vs-marketing LINKS Learn the framework for building a profitable business: https://sandracoan.lpages.co/free-masterclass-six-figure-studio/ Be the first to hear when doors are open for the Six-Figure Studio: https://sandra-coan-p...

Aug 03, 202112 minSeason 2Ep. 41

040: Inside the Six-Figure Studio: Finding Your Signature Style as a Photographer

As a photographer, having a signature style is a great way to stand out in such a saturated industry.  But how do you go about creating one?  That is the conversation we recently had inside the Six-Figure Studio and on today's episode, I'm sharing it with you!  Enjoy!  SHOWNOTES: https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/finding-your-signature-style LINKS: Be the first to hear when doors are open for the Six-Figure Studio: https://sandra-coan-photography.ck.page/19b3b91b88 ...

Jul 27, 202112 minSeason 2Ep. 40

039: Inside the Six-Figure Studio: Dealing with Unhappy Clients

Getting feedback from unhappy clients used to devastate me.  Now I know that negative reviews and unhappy clients are an opportunity for me and my business.   On today's podcast I'm sharing a recent conversation we had inside one of our Six-Figure Studio coaching calls about how to handle unhappy clients!  If you run your own business, this is a must listen episode!  Enjoy!  SHOWNOTES: https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/dealing-with-unhappy-clients LINKS: Be the...

Jul 20, 202117 minSeason 2Ep. 39

038: Inside the Six-Figure Studio: What Do YOU Do?

Getting clarity in your business around what it is that YOU do is the first step towards building a solid and profitable photography business.   On today's episode, I'm sharing a conversation I recently had with the photographers in my group coaching program, the Six-Figure Studio, around the importance of clarity, how to find it and how to use it when growing your business!  If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to leave us a five-star review!  SHOWNOTES:  https://www.sa...

Jul 13, 202120 minSeason 2Ep. 38

037: The 3 Things You Need to Know to Create Your Ideal Light

When it comes to creating YOUR version of ideal light with strobe and flash, you need to know THREE main things.  On today's episode, I'm sharing what those things are! SHOWNOTES: https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/need-to-know-create-ideal-light LINKS: Get my equipment list: https://sandracoan.lpages.co/free-blueprint-to-craft-your-ideal-light/ Be the first to hear when doors are open for the Six-Figure Studio: https://sandra-coan-photography.ck.page/19b3b91b88 Find your new photo...

May 04, 202112 minSeason 37Ep. 2

036: Be a Help Desk, Not a Billboard!

On today's episode, I'm sharing the three things you need to know to make marketing your photography business both easy and effective. SHOWNOTES: https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/be-help-desk-not-billboard LINKS: Be the first to hear when doors are open for the Six-Figure Studio: https://sandra-coan-photography.ck.page/19b3b91b88 Find your new photography BFFS in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sandracoaneducation Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...

Apr 20, 202111 minSeason 2Ep. 36

035: The Branding Series #5 - Consistency is Key

If there is one thing I know after 20+ years in the photography industry, it is this...consistency is the key to having a profitable business.  On today's episode, I'm talking all about the importance of consistency and sharing tips for how to make sure you have it in your work AND in your marketing plan!   SHOWNOTES: https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/consistency-is-key LINKS: Be the first to hear when doors are open for the Six-Figure Studio: https://sandra-coan-photography....

Apr 16, 202115 minSeason 2Ep. 35

034: The Branding Series #4 - The Power of the Brand Evangelist

Welcome to Day 4 of the special podcast edition of the Branding Series!  So far on the series we've covered, what a brand is (and isn't) and the four characteristics of a strong photography brand (Episode 31), we learned the one thing you need to know to build a brand that stands out in the saturated photography market (Episode 32) and we've learned all about the importance of having a clear brand identity (Episode 33). In today's episode, we're learning all about the power of brand evangel...

Apr 15, 20219 minSeason 2Ep. 41

033: The Branding Series #3 - How to Stand Out in a Saturated Market

What is your brand identity?  Don't know?  Then today's episode is for you!  Have a listen to learn how to create a strong brand identity and how to use it to stand out in the saturated photography market! SHOWNOTES: https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/how-to-stand-out-saturated-market LINKS: Be the first to hear when doors are open for the Six-Figure Studio: https://sandra-coan-photography.ck.page/19b3b91b88 Find your new photography BFFS in our Facebook community: https:...

Apr 14, 20219 minSeason 2Ep. 33

032: The Branding Series #2 - Why You DON'T Want to Be Like Everyone Else

Welcome to day two of the Brand Series!  Today we're diving into the first characteristic of a good photography brand.  You'll learn what it is, and the one simple thing you need to do to make sure your brand has it! SHOWNOTES: https://www.sandracoaneducation.com/podcast/why-you-dont-want-to-be-like-everyone-else LINKS: Be the first to hear when doors are open for the Six-Figure Studio: https://sandra-coan-photography.ck.page/19b3b91b88 Find your new photography BFFS in our Facebook co...

Apr 13, 202112 minSeason 2Ep. 32

031: The Branding Series #1 - Your Logo is NOT Your Brand

Welcome to the Branding Series, a very special edition of the Beyond Natural Light Podcast!!   Listen, in order to build a profitable photography business, you MUST have a strong photography brand.  The problem is, a lot of photographers are confused about what that means, and end up focusing their time, efforts and money on the wrong things!  I don't want that for you.  So this week, I'll be posting a new episode EVERY DAY to teach you all about how to build a solid photogra...

Apr 12, 202115 minSeason 2Ep. 31