The Business Focused Photographer Podcast

Leah Carter shares her journey of starting a studio rental business, from finding the right space to managing operations and building a positive community culture. She discusses the legal and insurance considerations, security measures, revenue generation, and the impact on her overall photography business. Leah's approach to creating a welcoming and supportive community space has contributed to the success of her studio rental business. Leah Carter discusses her studio's tech stack and equipment, including the use of a lock, scheduling, lighting, and props. She also shares insights on security measures, rental responsibilities, and her personal photography preferences. Additionally, she provides information on mentorship and education opportunities for photographers.TakeawaysStudio rental business requires careful consideration of legal, insurance, and security aspects.Building a positive community culture and mindset can contribute to the success of a studio rental business.Revenue from studio rentals can significantly impact the overall profitability of a photography business. Understanding the importance of studio security and rental regulationsInsights into studio amenities and photography preferenceshttps://www.leahslens.photography/suitegstudio/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Studio Rentals05:23 Building Confidence in Studio Rental Business10:32 Security and Access Control16:01 Managing Studio Rental Operations21:25 Privacy and Location of Studio27:05 Community Mindset and Business Growth38:32 Lock and Security45:16 Studio Amenities

The conversation explores the integration of political beliefs into branding, the evolution of personal political ideology, and the impact of political awareness on marketing. It delves into the importance of content with a backbone, standing behind one's values, and the significance of human-to-human conversation in fostering empathy and understanding. The conversation delves into the complexities of political expression, addressing the tribalism of politics, the impact on business, the integrity of expression, the power of political expression, the challenge of political facts, the influence of political marketing, the importance of conviction in expression, focused political expression, and the impact of political alignment. The conversation covered a range of topics including celebrity love, political preferences, favorite Taylor Swift album, concept albums, pet stories, photography gear and preferences, favorite non-photography software, snowy state preferences, beach vs. pool, New York vs. LA, and podcast host vs. guest.TakeawaysIntegrating political beliefs into brandingEvolution of personal political ideology Political expression has a significant impact on branding and audience connection.The importance of integrity and conviction in political expression cannot be overstated. Insights into personal preferences and experiencesExploration of photography gear and software preferencesChapters00:00 Integrating Political Beliefs into Branding06:05 Evolution of Political Identity11:11 Impact of Political Awareness18:48 Content with a Backbone26:19 Human-to-Human Conversation31:41 The Tribalism of Politics39:17 The Integrity of Political Expression46:00 The Influence of Political Marketing55:27 Focused Political Expression01:00:53 Celebrity Love and Political Preferences01:07:14 Photography Gear and Preferences01:15:13 Snowy State Preferences and Beach vs. Pool

The conversation explores the establishment of a referral partnership between Lydia and Nicole, addressing the challenges in the photography industry, formalizing the partnership, pricing, mentorship, logistics, trust, the difference between referral partnership and associate photographer, conversion rate, and client interaction. The key takeaways emphasize the success and importance of referral partnerships, as well as the significance of effective communication and trust in such collaborations.TakeawaysReferral partnerships can be a successful and mutually beneficial collaborationEffective communication and trust are essential in referral partnerships Referral partnerships can be a form of customer service and trust is essential in such collaborations.Adobe Camera Raw is a preferred editing tool for some photographers, offering a streamlined workflow without the need for catalogs.Chapters00:00 Establishing the Partnership05:50 Challenges in the Photography Industry12:07 Pricing and Mentorship16:51 Logistics and Trust21:52 Referral Partnership vs. Associate Photographer30:30 Vetting and Sussing Out Leads37:46 Client Acquisition Cost and Referral Fees47:24 Photography Gear and Shooting Preferences

Guest: Aislinn McKenna, former luxury wedding photographer turned multiple six figure coach (Colorado based)We Discuss:Why “more money in the hands of good people” mattersThe difference between money mindset and financial literacy (and why you need both)Weekly money dates and “normalizing” the number in your bank accountRedefining what “zero” means so you move differentlyWhy photographers get stuck in industry narratives (feast or famine, “booking is weird,” etc.)The unsexy basics that create confidence: cost of doing business, cost per client, projections, CACPracticing your numbers out loud so you can say them without flinchingHow to raise prices with repeat clients without creating resentmentHow to make more money without simply raising prices (offer suite shifts, tiers, client exclusive days)TLDR:If you don’t know your numbers, it’s hard to stand behind your prices.If you do know your numbers, confidence becomes a skill you can practice.You don’t have to burn down your business to make it more profitable. You can restructure your offer suite so it’s a win for you and a win for your clients.Links + Resources:Find Aislinn: Instagram @aislinneileencoachingWebsite: aislinneileen.com

Episode Title: The Human Algorithm: Networking as a Photographer with Tiffany CrenshawGuest: Tiffany Crenshaw, Animal House Photography, North AlabamaWe Discuss:Why Tiffany calls networking “the human algorithm” and why it still beats chasing social media trendsHow her background as a second grade teacher shaped her relationship building skills (and her business success)Moving to Alabama on March 1, 2020 and building momentum anyway through virtual coffee datesThe “client adjacent” strategy: building relationships with doulas, small business owners, and other connector peopleHow one small market turned into years of high value repeat clients (including a $6,000 family purchase)Why people skills matter as much as photo skills, and how client experience starts before the session even happensWhat actually works at booths and vendor events: samples, albums, wall art, and making your setup stop trafficUsing QR codes and email list tags to track where leads come from and follow up intentionallyGetting creative with in person visibility: iPhone photo classes, beginner camera workshops, pop ups, and client eventsHow Tiffany thinks about quarterly goals for in person networking and how she audits events before committingReal talk about confidence dips after price increases and why timing matters (January vs fall)Tiffany’s membership model and how repeat clients create predictable income and less workTLDR:Tiffany Crenshaw breaks down why in person networking is one of the most underrated marketing strategies for photographers. From coffee dates with “client adjacent” professionals to vendor events, workshops, and client appreciation experiences, Tiffany shares practical ways to become top of mind in your community without relying on algorithms. If you want more aligned clients, better referrals, and a marketing strategy that actually feels sustainable, this one will hit.Resources:Follow Tiffany’s business education on Instagram: @TiffanyCrenshawEduSee Tiffany’s photography work: Animal House PhotographyTiffany’s group coaching program: Booked and Balanced (starts January 8)

Episode Title: How I Built This with Alan ShapiroGuest: Alan Shapiro, Food, Portrait & Macro Photographer, New YorkWe Discuss:Alan’s origin story from lifelong storyteller to advertising executive to full-time photographerHow burnout in a high-pressure creative career led him back to joy through daily photographyThe role of storytelling, transparency, and consistency in building visibility and trustWhy his most impactful opportunities didn’t come from SEO or email lists, but from showing up in real communitiesThe power of documenting what you care about before anyone is paying youWorking with agencies vs direct clients and how discovery actually happens in 2025Pricing with flexibility and integrity instead of rigid formulasWhy underpricing is almost universal and how Alan navigates it in practiceThe long-term value of relationships over short-term ROIBartering, community support, and “Main Street” marketing as legitimate business strategiesImposter syndrome, perfection paralysis, and embracing “perfectly imperfect” workChoosing variety over specialization and the tradeoffs that come with that decisionWhy photographers need to stop waiting until they feel “ready” to put work into the worldTeaching, mentoring, and staying curious as a way to keep growing creatively and professionallyTLDR:Alan didn’t build his career by chasing clients. He built it by telling stories consistently and caring deeply about the people and subjects in front of him.Visibility came from community, not algorithms.Pricing is contextual, relationship-driven, and tied to opportunity, not hours alone.Imposter syndrome never fully goes away, but humility and enthusiasm can be strengths.Helping others, bartering, and showing up locally still work and often work best.Resources:Website: https://www.alanshapiropho

Episode Title: How I Built This with Maddie PeschongGuest: Maddie Peschong, Maddie Peschong Photography & Co-Founder of White Space Studio, Sioux Falls, SDWe Discuss:How Maddie transitioned from corporate marketing to full-time photographyThe early mistakes that shaped her business model and the turning points that made it thriveBuilding community and collaboration through White Space Studio, her shared studio conceptHow systems and boundaries became the backbone of her business growthCreating educational offers and coaching programs that serve both new and established photographersThe mindset shifts that allowed her to scale without burnoutWhy Maddie believes every photographer should think like a CEO, not just a creativeTLDR:Maddie Peschong shares the real story behind building her multifaceted photography business—from her first shoots to leading a thriving studio and education brand. She opens up about the systems, boundaries, and mindset work that helped her turn creative chaos into long-term sustainability. Whether you’re in the messy middle of your business or dreaming about your next pivot, Maddie’s story will leave you inspired to build something that truly fits your life.Resources:Learn more about Maddie’s coaching programs and templates: https://maddiepeschong.comFollow Maddie on Instagram: @maddiepeschongExplore White Space Studio: https://whitespacesiouxfalls.com