Podcast Summary: The Difference Maker Revolution Podcast

Episode Title: What Makes An Amazing Experience?
Date: November 17, 2025
Hosts & Experts:

• Janine McLeod (A) – Successful children’s studio owner
• Jonathan Ryle (B) – Photography marketing funnel specialist
• Steve Saporito (C) – Serial portrait studio owner & educator

Main Theme

This episode dives into the essential elements that make for an "amazing experience" in a photography business, moving beyond technical skill and artistic output to focus on the emotional, psychological, and service-driven aspects of client relationships. The team unpacks what it truly means to create a memorable, referral-worthy experience, emphasizing the power of intention, client understanding, consistent communication, and the delivery of an identity shift for clients.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Technical Skill Is Basic—Experience Is the Differentiator

• The hosts agree that technical photographic ability is a given for any true “difference maker,” but the real focus must be on the client’s experience above all else.
  • Quote (A, 00:00): “You are an amazing photographer...Let’s just take that out of the picture. It’s a given.”

2. Setting Your Intention and Mindset

• Having a true intention to serve (not just make money) radically changes how clients feel and how you approach your business.
  • Quote (C, 01:56): “Having the belief that you’ve got to give before you can receive and that the money will come if we give value...shifts your ability to give great service.”

3. Knowing Your Ideal Client

• Deeply understanding your specific client base is the foundation for delivering extraordinary service. The needs of families, boudoir clients, and pet owners all differ.
  • Quote (A, 03:11): “You really have to understand...who your ideal client is before you understand how to give them great service.”

4. What Clients Truly Value

• Integrity, reliability, being seen, and genuine interest are what clients ultimately remember.
  • Quote (C, 05:34): “They value integrity...being seen and really taken an interest in. For them to be the most important person in the room...”

5. The Client Journey Starts BEFORE the Session

• The experience begins from first touchpoint: reading your ad, first call, follow-up messages, and onboarding. Every step must be meaningful and aligned in tone and message.
  • Quote (C, 06:37): “A lot of people believe that the experience starts when people turn up...But there’s a whole journey...Well before you pull your camera out.”
  • Quote (A, 09:26): “All of these things...have to sound authentic. They can’t sound like corporate, corporate generic garbage.”

6. Consistency Is Crucial

• Every communication (ads, emails, texts, calls) must feel like it’s from the same heart and voice.
  • Quote (C, 10:36): “That consistency adds to the experience. When it’s all coming from the same place...that adds to the experience.”

7. The Disney “Magic” Analogy

• Janine shares a personal story about Disney’s attention to personalized details—using names, interests, and even mail to set the stage for an emotionally resonant experience.
  • Quote (A, 11:41): “It started one with that phone call and then two with the welcome packet...We were all blown away.”

8. Clients Aren’t Buying Photos—They’re Buying an Identity Shift

• Top-tier marketers (and photographers) understand people invest not just in products but in the version of themselves they hope to become.
  • Quote (B, 14:24): “What people are actually buying is an identity shift.”
  • Quote (C, 16:46): “It’s about how we make people feel and how we shift their beliefs in what’s possible for them and who they are.”

9. Creating Identity Shifts in Photography

• Through insightful questions and active empowerment, photographers help clients see themselves differently and set new “standards” for their own self-worth and relationships.
  • Quote (C, 19:33): “Photography is about helping people celebrate and set a new standard for who they’re going to be from this day forward.”

10. Continuous Experience—Not Just the Session

• The follow-up, touchpoints between booking and the session, and care after the shoot are all integral.
  • Quote (B, 22:40): “You’re sending out your physical mail...calling them...sending texts and emails with client stories. You’re making them feel cared for.”

11. Specific, Anticipatory Actions

• Small thoughtful details—like welcome packets tailored to the session type, engaging children at eye level, knowing snack preferences—matter deeply.
  • Quote (A, 22:57 & 27:30): “If they’re a mom… If someone can make my child happy, they’ve made me happy.”
  • Quote (A, 27:30): “Anticipating needs...like, we have snacks...You’d be surprised how many parents forget a diaper…”

Five Actions to Create an Amazing Experience (Takeaways at 24:30–31:41)

1. Client-Focus First

   • Know your client’s desired transformation or identity shift; make them the hero throughout their journey.

2. Authenticity & Genuine Interest

   • Every interaction should be real, caring, and personally relevant.

3. Consistent, Ongoing Communication

   • Never “ghost” clients after booking—use physical mail, calls, and emails to keep the experience alive.

4. Anticipate & Address Needs in Advance

   • Prepare for both practical and emotional needs (e.g., snacks, welcome kits, knowing dietary preferences, greeting children eye-to-eye).

5. Assume Value and Accessibility for Every Client

   • Approach each client assuming they want and deserve the best, avoiding any internal or external judgment about their worthiness or spending ability.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Intentionality:
  “Having the belief that you’ve got to give before you can receive and that the money will come if we give value.” — Steve, 01:56

• On Identity Shift:
  “What people are actually buying is an identity shift.” — Jonathan, 14:24

• On Disney Magic:
  “It started with that phone call and then the welcome packet...we were all blown away.” — Janine, 11:41

• On Anticipating Needs:
  “Snacks are huge...nothing will kill a design consultation faster than a growling stomach...” — Janine, 27:30

• On Consistency:
  “That consistency adds to the experience...from the same heart, from the same person.” — Steve, 10:36

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – The myth that taking more/artistic photos = amazing experience
• 01:50 – The importance of intent and serving, not just selling
• 03:11 – Understanding your ideal client
• 05:34 – What clients value most
• 06:37 – The experience starts before the photo session
• 09:26 – Tone and consistency of communication
• 11:41 – Disney as the inspiration for immersive experience
• 14:24 – Identity shift and deep psychology in marketing
• 18:16 – Delivering identity shift through client empowering
• 22:40 – The importance of small, consistent touchpoints
• 27:30 – Examples of anticipating client needs
• 24:30–31:41 – Five actionable tips for delivering an amazing experience

Final Thoughts

The hosts emphasize that true differentiation in a crowded photography market doesn’t come from technical mastery or pretty photos alone, but from understanding, anticipating, and serving the deeper hopes, needs, and identities of their clients—starting from the very first touchpoint and lasting long after the session ends. Consistency, intentionality, personal touches, and the courage to believe in your client’s best self are what set “difference makers” apart.