Sustainable Freedom with Boudoir Photography Podcast

058. Natural Light For Boudoir Photography | 5 Tips To Take Your Photos From Good To GREAT!

Natural Light For Boudoir Photography | 5 Tips To Take Your Photos From Good To GREAT! - Episode 058 of the Sustainable Freedom with Boudoir Photography Podcast with Tracy Lynn! I'm sharing five game-changing tips on harnessing the power of natural light to elevate your boudoir photos from good to GREAT!Natural light is the cheapest and most convenient way to light for boudoir photos. And it makes for one great resource for a photographer just starting out (because it’s free!). But to take your images to a professional level, you must know how to use them effectively AND efficiently. So in this episode, I’m breaking down my top five favorite tips for using natural light for boudoir photos. Don't miss this episode as I dive into the world of natural light boudoir photography and explore how to expertly blend light and shadow for truly unforgettable images. #boudoirphotographer #boudoir #boudoirphotographytipsShow notes: https://tracylynncoaching.com/podcast/natural-light-for-boudoir-photos/✨ FREE GUIDES✨→Grab my FREE One-Page PDF: 5 Tips to Book Photography Clients Without Using Facebook Ads: https://tracylynncoaching.com/marketing-strategy/download/ → Hit your first six figures in the next 12 months with this FREE Guide: Five Targets To Spot-Check In Your Boudoir Business This Year: https://tracylynncoaching.com/marketing-strategy/targets-spot-check-boudoir-business/ 🚀 GROW YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS FAST! 🚀→ Forever Booked Out, The high-level marketing program for photographers to book sessions now–and in the future. https://tracylynncoaching.com/forever-booked-out/ → Boudoir Studio Accelerator, The blueprint to a six-figure boudoir studio: https://tracylynncoaching.com/boudoir-studio-accelerator/ ❤️FOLLOW ME/GET IN TOUCH❤️Hey, I'm Tracy! I help photographers simplify their path to six figures and stay forever booked out. Questions? Shoot me an email at hello@tracylynncoaching.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itstracylynn Follow me on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tlceducation ——RECOMMENDATIONS——Sustainable Freedom with Boudoir Photography Podcast: https://tracylynncoaching.com/podcast My Amazon Recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/boudoir_by_tracy_lynn TLC Photography Business Shop: https://tracylynncoaching.com/tlc-photography-business-shop/ Photography Contracts: https://thelegalpreneur.com/thecontractvault/ref/210/ ——DISCLAIMER——(I receive a small commission on some of the links provided. It is no extra cost to you and helps support my adventures! :D)This boudoir photography podcast was all about Natural Light For Boudoir Photography.

057. 5 Must-Haves On Your Boudoir Photography Price List (The 2023 Beginner Guide)

With the boudoir photography industry constantly changing, it's important for photographers to stay ahead of the game by offering a strategic and well-designed boudoir photography price list.
This episode is all about the five must-haves every boudoir photographer should include on their photography price list, including a story about a recent upset client I had–and how I handled it.
1. Minimum purchase: Establishing a minimum purchase requirement is a crucial aspect of your boudoir photography price list. This ensures that clients are investing what you need them to spend so that you generate the revenue necessary to cover your costs, time, and expertise. I focus on the benefits of setting a minimum purchase and how it can help your business grow.
2. Multiple album options: Offering a range of album options for your clients is essential in the competitive boudoir photography market. In this segment, we'll focus on the importance of providing different album styles, sizes, and finishes to cater to your clients' unique preferences and budgets.
3. Wall portraits: Wall portraits are a fantastic addition to any boudoir photography price list because it shows the value of investing in a boudoir album. 
4. Gift prints: It's important to include gift prints on your boudoir photography price list to help boost your business's revenue.
5. Digital files or image boxes: I dive into the benefits of offering digital files or image boxes and how they can enhance your boudoir photography price list.
This episode is a must-listen if you are in the trenches building your boudoir photography price list. Learn how to create a pricing strategy that attracts clients, boosts sales, and sets your business up for success. 
Relevant Links:Show NotesMy InstagramTLC Pricing Template

056. Complete Breakdown Of My Photography Marketing Strategy | The Easy Way To Find More Photography Clients - 5/23/23, 3.56 PM

The most asked question I get as a photography educator is, "How do I find and book more clients?" They are always focusing on the short term.
Build a high-converting website.
A high-converting website is a website that takes your leads and turns them into a client quickly. To build this kind of site, you need to know exactly what your leads need to know to become a client. 
Once your website is built, then your only job is to drive traffic to your website. 
Websites have anywhere from a 1-5% conversion rate–which is how many leads come to the website and turn into clients. If you need to book ten clients a month, with a 1% conversion rate, you need 1000 leads to visit your website.
Listen to episode 54 to hear how Marcella booked out her schedule using Google in Fall 2022!
The five ways to drive traffic to your website.
1. Rank on Google and Google Business Profile.
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is how you rank on Google. With good SEO, you will rank high for the keywords your leads are searching for.
Your Google Business Profile is how you rank on local Google Maps. Listen to episode 53 to hear more about this topic. 
2. Build a referral strategy.
Clients who come from referrals are great because they are prequalified. The referrals can come from past clients or from other business owners who you've built relationships with.
Listen to episode 4 to hear how I booked seven sessions while on vacation using this strategy. 
3. Drive traffic to your website from social media.
When using social media in your marketing strategy, the most important thing to remember is to ensure you drive traffic to your website instead of your DMs. Let your website do the heavy lifting!
4. Attend In-Person Events.
Wedding shows are my favorite type of in-person event. In episode 9, I break down exactly how I booked 17 sessions from one bridal fair. 
The other perk to these types of events is the big boost you get to your email list. 
5. Use your email marketing software!
A vital tip to remember with email marketing is that you need to nurture more than you sell. I only sell about 15% of the year to my email list. The rest of the time, I am giving them all the information they need to know to have a great session–plus why they should even want to book a session.
Before you do anything else, focus on your website to ensure it's a conversion machine.
Relevant Links:Show NotesMy Instagram5 Tips To Book Clients Without Facebook Ads

055. What’s The Best Lighting Equipment For Boudoir Photography(Lighting Setup For Boudoir Photography + Natural Light)

There are many options when considering your lighting setup for boudoir photography–and you're probably wondering which one is best.
But the better question is, "Which is best for you?" Every photographer is different. We all like different things artistically.
In this episode, I'm breaking down my specific lighting equipment for my boudoir photography business. With this information, you can decide what lighting setup for boudoir is best for your business.
My lighting setup for boudoir photography
I don't classify myself as a natural light photographer, but I prefer natural light as I think it's the most beautiful. When needed, I am happy to add light to take my images to the next level, though.
Natural Light
My main rules are:
Face towards the light. Whether the images are just for her, her and her significant other, or in your portfolio, we're showing off her beauty, so I think her face should be lit. This is also a stylistic preference–so take it with a grain of salt.
Body away from the light. The shadows create the illusion that her chest and booty may be a little bigger than they might be. We can even create shadows for her abs or show off her back and leg muscles when the light falls correctly over her body.
Westcott Solix Continous Light
I used to use a Westcott Spiderlite TD6, but recently switched to the Westcott Solix Continuous Light and am IN LOVE. This light is much easier to set up and use than the Spiderlite.
Westcott Ice Lights
As far as I can tell, these have also been discontinued, so unfortunately, you may not be able to purchase them. This replica might work–and it is much cheaper than I paid!
Relevant Links:Show NotesMy InstagramFree PDF
 

054. How to Rank On Google With Your Photography Website(BEST Photography Website SEO Tips To Implement ASAP) | Marcella of Love & Sunshine Photography

Ranking on Google is a goal for every photographer–after receiving a few photography website SEO tips to understand how important it really is.
When Marcella came to me as a newbie photographer in 2021, she had heard of SEO–search engine optimization. Still, she didn't know what to do with the information she had.
By the time our year together in coaching was up, she was ranking for the main keywords in her area. And last year, she even booked out her fall schedule. The year before, she only booked two clients!
Who is Marcella of Love & Sunshine Photography?
Marcella is the sweetest soul with the cutest family. As a wife and a mom( of the cutest toddler boy)–you can hear him playing in the background throughout this interview–she knows how important memories are. That's the main reason she started her photography business.
She owns Love & Sunshine Photography of Calgary, Alberta. Her mission is to help women who love deeply turn fading memories into beautiful imagery that helps celebrate all the love & sunshine in their lives.
She booked out her schedule with these photography website SEO Tips.
One of the most important photography website SEO tips Marcella used was how to decide on her main keyword, which was "Calgary lifestyle photographer." Once she knew what keyword she needed to use, she strategically placed it on her website to help her rank. 
And then, she started blogging using my TLC Blog Formula. This formula lays out exactly how and where to use your keywords strategically throughout a blog to help it rank. 
And it definitely helped her rank. 
Two years ago, she was nowhere to be found on Google. Last year, she was on page 1!
She said she booked about 30% of her clients from one blog post. There seemed to be a massive difference in the type of clientele from Google vs. social media.
The ones from Google were ready to book immediately. Instagram leads need to be talked into booking. 
Relevant Links:Show Notes
My Instagram
Join Forever Booked Out!
Marcella's Website
Marcella's Instagram

053. The Three Reasons You MUST HAVE A Google My Business For Photographers Profile(AKA Google Business Profile)

Google My Business, or what’s now called Google Business Profile, is something you have to have as a photographer. If you want to rank, you have to have great reviews as well.
In this episode, I'm breaking down the three reasons you need a profile with great reviews and how you can actually get more reviews from your current and past clients.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google business Profile is a free listing that allows businesses to add important information such as hours, website, contact info, current photos, and more. It helps you get found online.
Did you know that Google accounts for 92% of searches in 2023?
If you want to book out your photography schedule, your website needs to rank on Page 1 of the search.
Just as importantly, though, you need to rank with your Google Business Profile. If you don't, you’re missing out on a ton of potential clients.
Your Google profile will get you more qualified traffic than social media, and will also help you show up on maps. These searchers are literally searching for what you offer and are usually ready to book. 
Where as with socials, you’re talking leads into becoming clients.
You need reviews to rank with your Google Business Profile.
At this point, you aren’t going to rank if you don’t have plenty of reviews. You definitely need more than just a few.
I don’t want that to discourage you, though. We all start somewhere.
If you keep showing up for your clients and giving them an amazing experience, this will easily result in lots of 5-star reviews on your Google Business Profile.
And if you just keep chipping away, one review at a time, you'll see results and start ranking in your area for your keywords.
Three reasons reviews are important:
Your potential clients are checking your reviews before they book a session with you.
Google reviews help your Google Business Profile rank higher in the profile listings.
More reviews help your actual website rank higher on page 1 of your keywords.
Three ways to get reviews:
Make sure your photography experience is amazing.
Ask your past clients.
Follow up with your current clients.
Relevant Links:
Show notesMy InstagramFree PDF: 5 Tips to Book Clients Without Facebook Ads

052. Three Boudoir Photography Session Pricing Strategies (Avoid THIS Boudoir Session Fees Mistake)

Like pricing, boudoir session fees are hard to nail down–even if it feels like they really shouldn't be that complicated. This industry has so many different opinions that we are constantly second-guessing ourselves.
Strategies for Pricing Your Boudoir Session Fees
When we start working together, one of the first questions I get asked by any of my clients–private, mastermind, and even my group coaching clients is, "What should I charge per session?"
Boudoir photography pricing is confusing no matter how long you've been in business.
And it's not just shoot & burn(the all-digital model) OR IPS (In Person Sales). This question comes up regardless of your photography business model. 
Pricing may always seem confusing–but it doesn't have to be.
1. Pricing your boudoir session fees high
 This session fee would be $400-500 and above range. With this strategy, you're attracting the client already prepared to spend money on their session. 
These clients understand what they're diving into IS a luxury. 
2. Pricing your photography session fees low
Anything below $100 is a lower session fee–some might even consider $200 or less low boudoir session fees. 
A common belief is that low session fees bring in cheap clients. And they can–without the right marketing strategy.
3. Pricing your session fees in the mid-range. 
I think this is the perfect happy place. Not too big and not too small, you know? 
These mid-range session fees are typically in the $2-500 range.
My sessions are priced at $299, and I genuinely think that this is one reason my schedule stays full of great clients who love what I offer and are happy to pay for it. 
Other Notes:
In this episode, I also cover my experience with low session fees and my formula for figuring out what to charge per session to stay afloat. 
If you get one thing from this episode, please understand how important your marketing strategy is all the time–even when planning something as simple as your session fees. 
Relevant Links:Show NotesMy InstagramFree PDF: 5 Tips to Book Clients Without FB Ads

051. How Tara Brown Hit Her First Six-Figure Year As A Portrait Photographer

Goal setting and using spreadsheets to visually see your progress can really help your business grow so much quicker. Tara Brown of Tara Brown Photography is proof of this. Last year was her first six-figure year as a portrait photographer.
But not just six figures in total, she hit $100,000 in total revenue by September. And for the entire year of 2022, she easily hit $150,000!
Saying I'm a proud photography business coach is an understatement.
Portrait Photographer from Seatle, Washington
Tara is a bit different than photographers I’ve had on Sustainable Freedom with Boudoir Photography in the past. She’s a portrait photographer specializing MOSTLY in seniors and headshot photography, with occasional events and other types of portraits as well.
What I wanted to do was bring her on here to celebrate her 2022 achievements. And they are definitely worth celebrating!
In this episode, we talk through the strategies and decisions she made in her business to make these achievements happen, as well as some cool things she’s been a part of in the past year. 
Here's a hint–Lululemon!
If you get just one thing from this episode, I want you to understand that her results are not only due to the strategy I gave her. These results are due to a combination of her work ethic, strategy, and her trust in the process.
If you’re dreaming of this kind of result in your own boudoir photography business, I want to invite you to check out what I have to offer on my website.
When you’re ready to dive in, DM me on Instagram, and let’s change your life and portrait photography business for the better.
For complete show notes with time stamps, make sure you head over to my websites at the links below. 
Relevant Links:Show notesMy InstagramCoachingTara's websiteTara's Instagram

050. Five Things To Do To Create A Safe Space For Your Boudoir Clients

Boudoir can give boudoir clients so much self-love and confidence–but it can also completely damage their self-esteem and even their mental health.
In this episode, I'm talking about the 5 things you can do to make sure your client's experiences are only positive!
Boudoir clients usually feel so great after a session.
Boudoir is such an important niche of photography. It gives women confidence, empowers them, and helps them learn to love themselves.
But, at the same time, a boudoir photography session can do a lot of damage to a woman’s self-esteem and mental health. 
But not always.
My good friend Andrea of Andrea Murphy Photography sent me this message a few days ago about a big win she had–that was due to another photographer's mistake–and it really hurt her client's confidence.
 “I sold my $8000 package this morning! This client had gone to this cheaper photographer, and although the pictures weren’t terrible, the gal had no idea what she was doing and made her feel fat and ugly the whole time. She said she cried all day the following day. But she wanted a redo and came to me and spent $8000.”
In this episode, I explain several of my own experiences with boudoir clients through the years– from body dysmorphia to eating disorders, and client's who just had a bad experience at other boudoir studios.
The five things you can do to create a safe space for your boudoir clients
Be very careful with your words
Learn to pose well
Learn your light
Shoot only what you want to show
Learn to retouch
Here's what I want you to know:
If you only get just one thing from this entire episode, I want you to remember how truly detrimental boudoir photography can really be to boudoir clients' mental health if you aren’t careful with the entire experience. 
Remember, women pretend to be strong, but our confidence is fragile. While a boudoir session can build it up, it can easily knock it down as well. 
Boudoir photography is a very intimate thing. Women are putting their trust, confidence, and, to be honest, their mental health in your hands.
Be careful with it.
Relevant Links:Show notesSession Prep Guide For Boudoir PhotographersMy Instagram

049. 3 Reasons Your Photography Market is NOT Oversaturated

Sometimes, there are so many photographers in your local area and not enough clients. 
In this episode, I will prove that your photography market isn't oversaturated–you're just marketing all wrong.
Most industries think they are oversaturated, too.
My studio's building has at least two dental offices, multiple accountants, and several therapists. 
And this is a good thing!
That means there's a need for what you offer in the world. Your job, now, is to go be the best at what you're offering. 
In this episode, I explain three reasons your photography market is not oversaturated. I talk about what to do if your town is too small to support your business. Then, I finish up with exactly why I built my business in St. Louis (and then left it there) instead of moving it to the area I live in now.
Every photographer has a different ideal client, a different style, and a totally different business model. 
There are far more people in your area needing a photographer than how many photographers there actually are–I promise.
You have to remember that you really don't need that many clients. If your area–not just your town–has 20,000 people. You only need 75 clients per year. You can easily book that with the right marketing strategy. 
What if your town doesn't have a population to support your business–then what do you do? 
Market in surrounding cities, towns, and counties.
Build your business in a nearby larger city and travel for your sessions once or twice a month.
The photography market isn't really saturated.
If you get just one thing out of this episode, understand that it's not that the market is oversaturated.
It's that you need to focus your marketing on your ideal client.
Put on your blinders to every other photographer in your area, and stop worrying about what they're doing, who they're photographing, or how busy they look. 
Focus on you, what you want from your business, and who you want to serve specifically.
Then, create a marketing strategy to attract that one specific person and start booking her.
Relevant Links:
Episode 44Episode 4TLC Canva Brand Board TemplateMy Instagram