An Honest Conversation with Three Photographers about Business, Marketing and Success
In this episode, I sat down with three amazing photographers who have been through my group coaching program, the Six-Figure Studio. I had the pleasure of chatting with Molly Hebda, Pordis Reynis and David Pidgeon about their photography businesses and success that they have seen within the past few years!
Molly primarily works with female entrepreneurs and creative business owners for branding and headshot photography. Pordis focuses on newborn and family photography, as well as headshots. David is a creative sports photographer who focuses mostly on youth athlete portraiture.
HIGHLIGHTS
You can study marketing theory, but clarity really is the foundation of your business.
Pordis said she took on a variety of projects and some brought her joy while others caused stress. The Six-Figure Studio helped her see that you don't have to take on every single inquiry that comes in. Instead, focus on what you actually love doing, and more of that will come. That was a big revelation for her business! During the program, she realized she loved working with babies and families and taking professional headshots.
When you're first starting your photography business, you think you have to take on everything. If anyone is going to pay you, then you should say yes to it! This leads to photographing everything under the sun, and it makes it so hard to figure out what you want to do. Once you find clarity on what you want to do, it helps bring confidence to your business.
David said the content in the Six-Figure Studio remains relevant, no matter how many times you redo it. He's gone through some of the lessons multiple times in order to really hone in and strengthen and grow his business more and more.
Constantly coming back to the clarity piece of the program helps you confirm that you still want what you wanted before. Our community of students is almost like group therapy, because you are always reflecting on yourself and your business.
If you put in the work, you will see the results.
I get asked all the time if I do 1-on-1 coaching, and I don't anymore because I think there is so much value in group coaching. Everyone in the room has something to share—including feedback and support. Molly says the inspiration you get from the group also pushes you forward. To feel like you're speaking the same language as everyone else is invaluable.
Sometimes it helps to just get a different perspective from others who are there to help you. Molly said she has so much more confidence now than in 2022, because she put the work in (and her business grew because of it!). From 2019 to 2020, she gained 49% in her business. From 2020 to 2021, she gained 56%. In the beginning, her goal was to have a successful business, and now she realized she HAS a successful business.
David joined the program over the summer, and he already sees the results. He now has 8 active, paying clients which he's never had at one time. A lot of it has to do with what he's able to accomplish in the Six-Figure Studio, but everything in his workflow has improved—including consistency and communication. His work is predictable now thanks to his consistent, predictable routines (which I teach in the program!).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Six-Figure Studio
If you're wondering if the Six-Figure Studio works outside of the United States, Pordis is a student from Iceland, and she wants to tell you that it does! Everything she's learned has worked for her in the market. You may even have an advantage outside of the U.S. because there could be less competition!
Another common question is "Can you guarantee results?". Molly says if you put the work in, you can definitely get all the results! Even nailing down one of the puzzle pieces is going to positively impact your business. Pordis agrees and said it was a lot of work, but she really enjoyed seeing her results.
There's always the fear that it works for other people, but it won't work for them. Regardless of the market size, David said this program provides an edge for your business. You know your business better than anyone else! Molly said a lot of her ideal clients are actually from the city and will travel for her services.
People get worried about investing money in programs. Pordis said if you put in the work, you'll see results. Molly says that investing in yourself and your business helps you get to levels that you never thought were possible. She thinks that sometimes education is more valuable than another piece of equipment! David suggests to ask about the return on investment of new gear versus education. Ask yourself if you're worth investing in, and if the answer is yes, then dive in with joy.
If you have questions about the Six-Figure Studio, we can put you in contact with one of our ambassadors! Our ambassadors have been through the program and are excited to answer your questions and share their experiences. You can fill out this form here to connect with one of our ambassadors!
