Focused AF

The secret to getting more bookings isn't being everything to everyone. As you'll learn in this episode, we all have an ideal client that our brands are best equipped to serve. And if you can be everything to just a few select customers in your market, this secret alone should keep you busy, profitable - but most importantly, avoid burnout in a long, successful career. Today's drink is...

If you think that being a wedding photographer in this day in age is hard, try being a wedding filmmaker! We won't argue it's been a strange year for most of us, where it's easy to blame the economy and newbies racing to the bottom of the barrel. Despite this, Jonathan of 4k Wedding Films continues to thrive by filming an impressively high volume of weddings by leveraging every, single...

Taylor Jackson is a husband, dog-dad, world-traveler, photographer, educator, and pizza-connoisseur. In this episode, we learn how he keeps his creative energy up, year-in and year-out, even after having done over 1000+ weddings in his career. You can check him out here: IG: @taylorjackson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorJacksonPhoto

"I never signed up to be an influencer." "I never signed up to be a content-creator." "I signed up to create pretty things....and that's it." When you signed up to be a business owner in the wedding industry, you signed up to do whatever it takes to get people to fall in love with your work, your brand, and your voice. Being amazing at your craft is no longer enou...

On this episode, we continue to share some of our sales & marketing tips/strategies that have allowed us to attract/book new clients during an otherwise slow(er) year.

On this episode, the Focused AF cohosts join Ben on his weekly live, to talk about their recent influx of inquiries and bookings. We share some tips/strategies that have helped our brands continue to book clients during this otherwise strange time for other business owners.

Managing a wedding business that does 400+ events a year is no small feat; but that is exactly what Fernando Serrano and his partner do at Blanc Noir Event Group. Learn how he leverages his time, charm, and relationships to maintain one of the busiest and most successful entertainment companies we know. Also, learn some of the personal struggles that he had with unprofessional wedding vendors whil...

"Fundy Designer software saves marriages, one photographer at a time." That's our story, and we're sticking with it. As longtime users of Fundy's software, as well as patrons of his infamous Fundy parties in Vegas, we're incredibly honored to now consider Fundy a colleague and friend. In today's episode, learn a little bit more about the human being behind this incred...

It's not easy being a full time mom, wife, and full time wedding photographer. As a way of reclaiming some work-life balance back to her growing family, Gricel Rivera transitioned to studio work during the pandemic and never looked back. In this episode we talk about: How she transitioned from weddings to portraits in her photography business. How she leverages IPS to help her earn as much fro...

When Ben & Karis decided to host a summit, we knew it wasn't going to be easy nor perfect. In this episode, we recount all the lessons and victories that we picked up along the way, and how they're going to improve their next conference.

Here's a look back at some of our fave moments in 2023.

Some of the most talented photographers we know are perpetual students of their craft; they never stop learning, even when they're at the top of their game. Despite having won dozens of industry awards in his career, Leo continues on his quest to become a better photographer every single day - by attending workshops, conferences and classes all over the US. And even then, his beautiful work on...

When you're as busy guy like Sam Hurd, you embrace all the nifty tools you have at your disposal that help you become a lean, green, creative machine. In today's episode, we learn a little bit more about Sam's backstory and journey to the present day, as well as all the exciting ways he's currently incorporating AI into his workflow. Sam will also be joining us at the Focused AF Su...

No season would be complete without a boozy, ugly-sweater party to wrap up our first year as podcasters! In this episode, we recount some of our favorite moments this year, and what we've got planned for next year. With that being said, are you guys Focused AF for 2024? Sound off in the comments below!

Ken Pak is an industry veteran who injects his special brand of humor and perspective in life, photography, and everything that he does. Learn about his life-long journey to finding his voice as an artist, how industry awards have shaped his trajectory over the years, and why you should always be on your best behavior while photographing on federal property!

Tori Kelner is a branding expert who shares with us how her personal brand has allowed her to attract her dream clients on autopilot, and how she leverages this branding in her business. We also learn about her love of Britney Spears, Harry Potter and fluffy socks (all the stuff we love as well!). *Editor's notes: Ben's mic was running a little hot during this episode, we're sorry abou...

In today's episode, learn how Andrea & Richard Flores grew their little photography passion into a full-fledged, full-service photography studio, allowing them maximize their revenue-per-client and balancing a hectic home life with 3 kids and 50 chickens! Today's drink is a salted-caramel apple cider old fashioned - 1 dash angostura bitters - 1 tsp salted caramel - 2 oz bourbon - 2 oz...

We continue our talk about finding/hiring the perfect photographer, the power of print, and how we can pro-actively get ahead of venues/bridal attendants who go rogue!

This episode is for all the brides & grooms! (and also the vendors who love 'em). These are all the tips that you're not going to find on TheKnot, WeddingWire or a Google search. In this episode, we talk about finding the perfect: Venues Hair & Make-Up Artists Videographers What are some of the hallmarks of great vendors? What are some of the things you should look out for? Do you...

If you're not leveraging video in your marketing, you're missing out on a HUGE opportunity to reach your audience in a powerful and impactful way - and Marvin Flavien tells us why. Marvin will also be sharing the stage with us at the Focused AF Summit next January 11th, and you can get tickets here: https://focused-af.com/summit. Today's drink is a Dark & Stormy (with Hail)! - Fill...

"How much should I charge?" It's one of the most commonly asked questions, especially for newcomers and transplants alike. As we discuss in today's episode, sometimes it's not so simple as seeing what others are charging in your market, and then simply going from there. When it comes to pricing yourself properly, it's not just your product, or what anyone says your work i...

In today's episode with Nikisha King, we talk about the importance of having the right people around you, having the right mindset, and having the right systems and processes in place to help you succeed in your business, while serving your clients (and others around you) in a meaningful way. Nikisha will also be sharing the stage with us at the Focused AF Summit on January 11, 2024, which you...

Remember that moment during the initial consultation where you promised the clients that you'd always go "above-and-beyond" for them, and that your customer service is probably the best thing since sliced bread? Did you really mean it when you promised them all those things? Or do you find yourself waving your contracts in their faces when they require a little bit more of you later?...

How's everyone doing with their inquiries and bookings? In today's episode, we get into some real talk about what's been working for us and the 4 photography brands that we have between us. As you'll learn - not only do we all get our inquiries in very different ways, our clients book us for all very different reasons. Goes to show, there isn't one "correct" way to do...

Every time you snap a photo, ask yourself this (and be honest): are you doing it for the clients, or are you doing it for yourself, your brand, or your portfolio? As artists and business owners, we all have our own reasons for doing things the way we want to do them. But at the end of the day, it's nearly unanimous that a "service-first" mentality is the one thing that will bring you...