Commercial Photographer: Your Guide to Marketing, Creativity and Growth

In this episode we discuss lenses. Types brands and uses. And Marcus takes us through the lenses he uses on an average photo shoot.

Episode 15 Olga Gidane     Olga Geidane is a highly engaging and sought-after expert speaker on mindset transformation and change.   She shared her infectious energy and wisdom on self-leadership across five continents at conferences and personal development events of all kinds, both online and in-person.   She helps individuals to perform at their peak through her 5-step transformative mindset co...

Getting found on Google is important for most businesses. For many types of photography businesses, it can make the difference between a successful and failed business. For photographers moving up the Google ranking can be easier than for other businesses. You tend to be only competing on a local level with other photographers. There are no big regional and national players to complete with. As Sa...

This week we talk to Christine about what it's like being in front of the lens and how she uses her photographs. Christine, Marketing and Creative Start-Up Coach, founder of the Creative Start-Up Academy , author of multiple books, public speaker, podcaster and workshop facilitator. She has worked in marketing and advertising for more than 12 years before she decided to start her own business...

 Today’s topic is creativity.   The 5 R’s of Creativity ! 1. Rules  •  Learn them •  Break them •  Make your own   We take a classic “rule” - the Rule of Thirds. Initially learn the rule inside out so you don’t have to think about it - it’s internalised. Then you can move onto the next stage where you purposefully break the rule. In this case placing objects of interest say in the centre or dividi...

In this weeks episode we welcome our first guest Charlott McAnsh from See No Bounds Charlott talks to us about how important it is to have brand photographs to promote your business. And how important it is get out from behind the camera and show your self!   Having recently had a branding photo shoot, and having been regularly photographed since her student days, when she was a model, Charlott kn...

Marcus guides us through the world of social media. It’s critical for photographers to have some sort of presence on one or more social media platform.   We talk about which platform is best for you and we discuss in depth which ones are best for commercial photographers -Linkedin, Twitter and Google My Business. These are primarily focuses on business to business.   As long term posters on Linked...

This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help photographers get more leads from their websites. You can get in touch here ⁠ info@website4photographers.co.uk ⁠ ⁠ 01482 765871 ⁠ Marcus and Sam talk about what to do with a mailing list, once you have some people on it.

This week we are talking about Email Marketing, specifically how to grow your mailing list. Next week we will look at what to do with your mailing list. Sam thinks Email marketing is a no-brainer and explains why. There is no doubt about it you need a mailing list, it’s as simple as that!   Some of the many advantages that a mailing list will give you are numerous. It gives you direct contact with...

This week Marcus takes us through the benefits of using flash (strobe to Americans) for your photoshoots. Marcus is passionate about this subject and explains why it's an essential part of every photographer's toolkit. Plus we get an insight into a memorable Fosters advert from 'back in the day'. Marcus explains how flash helps you create a visual narrative. you can get more inform...

Next week Sam will guide us through the journey of setting up a subscription service. He'll talk about the why, the how, and the marketing. Marcus and Sam will explain how it has worked for them in their business and how it can work for you. Subscriptions are a great way of getting regular income. That means every month you know you have a certain amount that will land in your bank account, wi...

In this episode Sam is digging into “working the room” and how to successfully build your business network.   Some of the things we discuss in this weeks show •  Why go to a business network meeting. •  Don’t be “salesy”. •  Building a network in a new town - both Sam and Marcus talk from personal experience. • It’s not just about letting people know about you! •  Know, like and trust. •  Applying...

Marcus and Sam are taking a look at the advantages and disadvantages of niching. How it looks to the client and how it helps in your own marketing.   We discuss the fear factor of possibly losing out on clients outside your niche, and how social media has opened up the market to a global one. However, being a generalist does have its advantages, especially when starting out  - it is a great way of...

AI- Friend or Foe   On this weeks podcast Sam Hollis and Marcus Ahmad talk about AI. How long has it really been with us? How has it been utilised by photographers in the past and how much are you really using it already? Almost certainly since the onset of digital photography. Then we move onto the AI of today, ChatGPT and other tools. Are they a friend or foe and how could we make the best use o...

On this week's show Sam discusses the case for photography case studies. He tells us how they can attract more visitors to your website and help attract your ideal client. He also talks about how they are best showcased for maximising a website’s SEO. And then there are the regular features - News and Stat of the day!

This week Sam and Marcus discuss the hotly debated topic of “Do you need a photography degree/qualification to be a commercial photographer” And what’s the alternative? Marcus, no surprise, being an ex Senior Lecturer in photography comes down in favour! But for reasons that may not be obvious. Sam asks probing questions and has an alarming Stat of the Day. This show is just perfect if you are try...