Professional Photographer

Ever wonder if photographing dogs all day could actually be a lucrative, sustainable business? In this episode, pet portrait specialist Lisa Asp reveals what it really takes to build a thriving pet photography studio—and it goes far beyond just loving animals. It requires mastering animal body language, delivering an exceptional client experience, and creating signature, museum-quality portraits t...

Are you stuck shooting the same safe client portraits and wondering what it takes to create truly award-winning, merit-level work? In this episode, Andrew Hiorth exposes the real secrets behind standout photography—and it's not fancy gear or guessing what judges want to see. It’s deliberate creative risk, shooting with deep personal intention, and building a business that gives you the freedom to...

What if the key to stunning photography isn’t just technical skill but the power of human connection? Discover how blending psychology with authenticity not only sets artists apart, but creates an unforgettable client experience. Too many photographers chase “perfect” methods or hide from imposter syndrome, but this approach locks away their true creative voice and potential earnings. Episode High...

Are you navigating the shifting tides of the photo industry and wondering what it takes to build a career that truly lasts? In this episode, legendary photographer Joe McNally exposes the real secrets behind longevity and creative survival—and it's not clinging to comfort or buying the newest gear. It’s making uncertainty your friend, investing relentlessly in your eye, and understanding the vital...

Roberto explains how he improved his posing and lighting skills through focused repetition and why photographers should practice outside of paid client sessions. He also shares how stronger technical skills can create more confidence and more creative freedom behind the camera. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (05:19) - Turn Weakness Into Skill Through Practice (19:27) - Use Lighting to Communicate (30:40...

Are you chasing luxury clients, but stuck spinning your wheels with low ticket sessions and endless hustle? This episode of the Professional Photographer podcast shatters the myth that luxury branding is all about your location, client list, or even the technical perfection of your images. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (09:31) - Price for the Photography Business You Want (15:59) - Create a Premium Cli...

Imagine landing in a new country, camera in hand—and realizing you missed the shot of a lifetime because you didn’t plan ahead. On this episode, travel photographer Glen Varnhagen reveals the secrets to a bulletproof location research strategy that ensures you never waste time, money, or creative energy ever again. Too many photographers gamble on luck and leave with average shots; Glenn’s proven...

Want to tap into the booming world of multicultural weddings but worried you’re not “from” the community? Pat Miller sits down with multicultural wedding photography specialist Abhi Sarkar, who shares why cultural barriers are mostly a myth and how any talented photographer can open this exciting new market. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (06:27) - Do you need to belong to a culture to photograph it? (1...

Ready to start earning more by making your photography clients happier than ever? Pat Miller brings in commercial and branding photography expert Jeff Carpenter for a revealing episode all about exceeding client expectations and securing repeat business. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (04:02) - Understanding What Clients Actually Need (10:46) - How Client Discovery Leads to Better Results (20:32) - Hand...

Ready to elevate your photography and attract high-end clients? Host Pat Miller sits down with Team USA member, commercial and portrait photographer, speaker, and educator Sabrina Casas to reveal what REALLY sets luxury photography—and photographers—apart from the crowd. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (05:09) - What Makes Luxury Real Estate "Luxury" (15:49) - How Competition Makes Her Better (24:23) - T...

Bored with the same old photography rut and longing for an adventure that will actually level up your skills? Pat Miller sits down with expert guide Angie Birmingham to reveal exactly how immersive “photography adventures” are helping hobbyists and pros alike capture their best shots—in wild, awe-inspiring locations. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (05:36) - Benefits of Traveling with Photographers (07:1...

Strong relationships can become one of the most valuable tools in your photography business. In this episode, portrait, headshot, and branding photographer Jenny Eggers joins Pat Miller to explain how genuine connection can improve client experiences, create more authentic portraits, generate referrals, and strengthen your professional network. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (06:34) - How Connection Cre...

Packing up your photography business and moving to a new city can feel like starting over from scratch, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. Pat Miller brings in relocation expert Meredith Ryncarz, relocation strategist and founder of The Restart Specialist, to reveal the real secrets behind rebuilding your client base, adjusting your pricing, and thriving as the new kid in town even in saturated...

Burned out by endless work and still barely making ends meet? Pat Miller sits down with maverick pet photographer Arica Dorff to expose how she ditched the traditional 250-session grind and now earns more while working just three months a year from her camper van. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (11:40) - Working Three Months a Year (15:44) - Reverse-Engineering Your Ideal Income (22:51) - Training Clien...

Creativity isn't something you're born with—it's something you build through practice. In this PPA Favorite Podcast episode, commercial photographer and educator John Gress shares how creative play helps photographers develop new skills, master lighting techniques, and stay inspired throughout their careers. Whether you're a portrait photographer, commercial photographer, or simply looking to over...

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. Connect wit...

What makes a portrait unforgettable? In this PPA Favorite Podcast Episode, Seth Miranda and Daniel Norton explore why authentic connection always matters more than perfect retouching or technical perfection. They discuss how photographers develop confidence through experience, why live demonstrations help photographers grow faster, and how lighting should support the person rather than overpower t...

Looking to grow your sports photography business? In this PPA Favorite Podcast Episode, Alison Carlino shares how Media Day photography has become one of her most successful and profitable services. Discover how to introduce Media Day sessions to schools, build a portfolio before charging premium prices, create marketing images that attract new athletic programs, and develop pricing structures tha...

Want to create work that attracts your ideal photography clients? In this PPA favorite episode, internationally recognized photographer Lindsay Adler explains how creative play days have become one of the most powerful marketing tools in her business. Lindsay shares practical advice for photographers in smaller markets, proving that creativity isn't limited by location or budget. Whether you're ph...

What if your greatest obstacle could become the secret sauce to your creative genius? This episode dives into the story of Zeiss Global Ambassador Tracy Bosworth Page, a renowned Atlanta photographer who turned face blindness, a condition that prevents her from remembering faces, into her defining strength. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (03:41) - Why actors want to look interesting, not just beautiful...

Want to break into real estate photography or improve your workflow? In this PPA favorite episode, Jonathan Lee explains the technical skills and business mindset needed to succeed. Jonathan shares why real estate photography requires more than simply photographing a house. From camera height and composition to flash, ambient light, HDR, and editing workflows, he breaks down how photographers can...

As part of our PPA Podcast 2-Year Anniversary Favorites Series, we're revisiting a standout conversation with Glynns Thomas on building a successful corporate headshot photography business. In this episode, Glynns shares how she approaches large corporate photography projects with confidence, professionalism, and organization. From the initial inquiry to final image delivery, she explains the syst...

As part of PPA's 2-Year Podcast Anniversary Celebration, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes featuring Adobe evangelist Julieanne Kost. In this clip, Julieanne shares how photographers can move beyond the learning curve of Lightroom and Photoshop to streamline their editing workflows, strengthen their compositing skills, and unlock new creative possibilities. It's a standout conversation...

Discover a new way to win and keep business as a volume photographer, as Pat Miller sits down with industry expert Jeff Galinovsky for an eye-opening episode live from Imaging USA. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (02:46) - Leaving corporate life to go full-time in photography (10:37) - Winning contracts through trust and simplicity (21:49) - Using pre-orders and online sales to increase revenue Connect w...

Struggling to cut through the noise and get noticed as a photographer? In this episode, Pat Miller sits down with acclaimed celebrity portrait photographer Ian Spanier to reveal proven strategies to rise above the crowd and grow your business even in a saturated industry. Episode Highlights 🎤💡: (03:43) - Standing out in a crowded photography market (09:20) - How LinkedIn helped Ian grow visibili...