Podcast Summary: Overcoming the Discomfort of Marketing Your Photography Business with Nathan Chanski

Podcast Information:

• Title: Book More Photography Clients Podcast | Photography Business, Marketing, Leads, Business Plan
• Host: Brooke Jefferson - Oklahoma Family Photographer, Photography Business Coach
• Description: Aimed at helping photographers consistently generate leads and bookings, positioning themselves as the go-to photographer in their area, and achieving a steady income of $3,000 - $5,000 per month. Brooke shares her journey from undercharging and struggling with social media marketing to building a profitable photography business by treating it as a serious enterprise.

Episode Details:

• Title: Overcoming the Discomfort of Marketing Your Photography Business with Nathan Chanski
• Release Date: February 13, 2025
• Guests: Nathan Chanski - Wedding Photographer, Business Coach, and Podcast Host

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of the Book More Photography Clients Podcast, Brooke Jefferson welcomes Nathan Chanski, a seasoned wedding photographer and business coach, to discuss the often daunting topic of marketing within the photography industry. The conversation delves deep into the psychological barriers photographers face when promoting their services and offers actionable strategies to overcome these challenges.

Guest Background and Journey

[02:52] Nathan Chanski:
"I didn't know business, I didn't have an understanding of money, I didn't know how to market myself as a photographer. That's what fueled my passion for becoming a business coach."

Nathan shares his transition from an artist solely focused on the creative aspect of photography to embracing the business side. Starting over a decade ago with minimal resources and experience, Nathan highlights the common struggle of photographers who excel in their craft but falter in business management and marketing.

The Importance of Business Acumen in Photography

Nathan emphasizes the crucial shift from viewing photography as a hobby to treating it as a legitimate business. This mindset change was pivotal in his ability to price his services for profit, develop effective marketing strategies, and ultimately attract more clients.

[04:39] Brooke Jefferson:
"We are both obsessed with the business side now. Teaching people what we didn't know."

Both Brooke and Nathan agree that understanding the business fundamentals is essential for photographers aiming for sustainability and growth in their careers.

Marketing Strategies to Book More Clients

A. Leveraging Existing Networks

Nathan outlines the significance of tapping into one's existing network to secure bookings. He challenges photographers to recognize that they are already well-connected with potential clients, friends, family, and professional acquaintances.

[13:04] Nathan Chanski:
"You are very well connected to a lot of people already... Do you think out of all of those people that you're well connected with, do you think that you could find like 20 to 30 people to say yes to you out of all of them every year?"

He suggests that photographers often overlook the potential within their immediate circles. By identifying just 20 to 30 individuals who could book their services annually, photographers can achieve substantial revenue without exhaustive marketing efforts.

B. Expanding into New Communities

For those looking to broaden their client base beyond their existing network, Nathan advises integrating into new communities related to their niche. This could involve building relationships with venues, planners, and other service providers within the photography ecosystem.

[20:10] Nathan Chanski:
"What if I was in a position where I could get connected with the venue that they would book before they booked me? Or what if I was in a position where I got connected with the planner that they would book before they booked me?"

By associating with complementary businesses and actively engaging in these communities, photographers can gain visibility among potential clients who are already in the process of planning events or looking for services they offer.

Overcoming Marketing Discomfort

A central theme of the episode is addressing the discomfort many photographers feel towards marketing. Nathan and Brooke discuss the psychological barriers and offer insights into making marketing a less intimidating and more integral part of one's business strategy.

[26:17] Nathan Chanski:
"The more discomfort I have leading up to a thing that I know I need to do... this tells me that this is going to be something that actually has impact, because that is the way that marketing works."

Nathan posits that discomfort often signifies high-impact marketing opportunities. He encourages photographers to embrace these feelings as indicators that they are pushing boundaries and making meaningful connections.

[26:11] Brooke Jefferson:
"How can we get more comfortable with this feeling? How can we approach it better?"

Brooke echoes the sentiment, highlighting the importance of leaning into discomfort rather than avoiding it. She emphasizes that persistence in the face of discomfort differentiates successful photographers from those who remain stagnant.

Actionable Tips for Photographers

1. Identify and Utilize Existing Connections:

   • Make a list of 20-30 potential clients within your network.
   • Reach out personally through calls, emails, or in-person meetings.

2. Diversify Marketing Channels:

   • Beyond social media, engage with communities where your ideal clients spend time.
   • Attend events, join local associations, and partner with complementary businesses.

3. Embrace Discomfort as a Growth Catalyst:

   • Recognize that discomfort often accompanies significant opportunities.
   • Push beyond your comfort zone to explore new marketing avenues.

4. Repurpose Content Across Platforms:

   • Share your work not just on professional channels but also on personal social media to increase visibility among friends and family.
   • Encourage your personal network to share and recommend your services.

5. Collaborate and Cross-Promote:

   • Engage in styled shoots or collaborative projects with other professionals to expand your reach.
   • Leverage these collaborations to tap into new audiences organically.

Conclusion

The episode with Nathan Chanski offers a profound exploration of the intersection between creativity and business in the photography industry. By focusing on leveraging existing networks, embracing new marketing strategies, and overcoming the inherent discomfort in promoting one's services, photographers can significantly enhance their client base and business profitability.

Brooke and Nathan leave listeners with a powerful message: success in photography is attainable by balancing artistic passion with strategic business practices. By taking actionable steps and maintaining resilience in the face of challenges, photographers can transform their businesses and achieve sustained growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Nathan Chanski [13:04]:
  "You are very well connected to a lot of people already... Do you think out of all of those people that you're well connected with, do you think that you could find like 20 to 30 people to say yes to you out of all of them every year?"

• Nathan Chanski [26:17]:
  "The more discomfort I have leading up to a thing that I know I need to do... this tells me that this is going to be something that actually has impact, because that is the way that marketing works."

• Brooke Jefferson [26:11]:
  "How can we get more comfortable with this feeling? How can we approach it better?"

This summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing valuable insights and practical advice for photographers seeking to enhance their marketing strategies and grow their businesses.