Podcast
The Portrait System Podcast
Hosted by Sue Bryce Education · EN
Join in as Nikki Closser, a mentor in the Sue Bryce Education community, interviews photographers who manage successful portrait photography businesses from around the globe using the business model Sue Bryce teaches. Subscribe to hear stories that will fast track your success and transform you as a photographer and business owner.
68episodes
Episodes
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The Corporate Photography Blueprint: Build a Team, Land Big Clients & Scale Past Six Figures | Jaren Collins
2d ago00:52:17Summary readyWhat happens when a portrait photographer stops thinking like a freelancer and starts thinking like a CEO? Jaren Collins did exactly that — and built JCi Creatives, a nationwide creative agency specializing in conference and event storytelling, with clients including AT&T and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.In this episode, Jaren breaks down:How he quit his corporate job (with almost nothing saved) and matched his salary within a monthWhy he walked away from 52 weddings a year to pursue corporate clientsHow one $1,000 gig turned into nearly $100,000 in annual spend from a single clientHis approach to project-based pricing and asking "what's your budget" upfrontHigh-volume headshot strategy — including doing 75 headshots in 23 minutesThe systems, AI tools, and team structure that keep his business running efficientlyWhy referrals in the corporate world are massively underutilizedJaren also co-owns Greenwood Co., a creative coworking and content space in DeSoto, Texas built to empower creators and entrepreneurs — and his mission is to help others turn creativity into sustainable, legacy-building businesses.Whether you want to break into corporate photography or scale what you've already built, this episode is full of real-world strategy you can use today.If you're building a photography business, want to grow your portrait photography income, or are curious about how to make money from photography online, this conversation is packed with actionable advice. 👉 For more videos like this, visit: https://theportraitsystem.com/ABOUT THE PORTRAIT SYSTEM: The step-by-step system to turn your portrait photography into a profitable business. Build a solid foundation for the portrait business you want Attract the right clients over and over again Confidently create the work you're proud of Streamline, scale, and grow with purposeJoin an international community of thousands of photographers learning to build and succeed in their portrait businesses.With hundreds of specially designed courses to help you create and grow a profitable contemporary portrait business.Whether you're starting out or scaling up, The Portrait System gives you the tools to build a portrait business that supports your life.FOLLOW US: JOIN The Portrait System: https://theportraitsystem.com/ FB: /theportraitsystem IG: /theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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How Meg Loeks Built a Photography Business Around Family, Art, and Education
3w ago00:52:29Summary readyIn this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, Nikki sits down with photographer and educator Meg Loeks to talk about how she built a photography business rooted in storytelling, color, and creativity. Meg shares how she went from a corporate marketing job to running a thriving portrait business, and how life circumstances eventually led her to focus fully on photography education.They talk about building momentum through social media, finding clients through your network, evolving your style, using color intentionally, and how education can become a powerful second income stream for photographers. Meg also shares her approach to photographing families, styling sessions, working with created light, and growing a loyal audience online.If you’re a photographer interested in building a business, refining your artistic voice, or eventually stepping into education, this conversation is full of insight and encouragement.Meg’s work is known for its rich storytelling, cinematic lighting, and thoughtful use of color, and this episode gives a great behind-the-scenes look at how she thinks about both art and business.If you’re building a photography business, want to grow your portrait photography income, or are curious about how to make money from photography online, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.👉 For more podcasts like this, visit: https://theportraitsystem.com/ABOUT THE PORTRAIT SYSTEM:The step-by-step system to turn your portrait photography into a profitable business.Build a solid foundation for the portrait business you wantAttract the right clients over and over againConfidently create the work you’re proud ofStreamline, scale, and grow with purposeJoin an international community of thousands of photographers learning to build and succeed in their portrait businesses.With hundreds of specially designed courses to help you create and grow a profitable contemporary portrait business.Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, The Portrait System gives you the tools to build a portrait business that supports your life.FOLLOW US:JOIN The Portrait System: https://theportraitsystem.com/FB: /theportraitsystemIG: /theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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How Photographers Can Increase Sales with Branding Photography Packages
Apr 2000:54:30Summary readyIn this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, Nikki sits down with South Africa–based photographer Simone Dorfman to talk about real-life marketing strategies that actually work. Simone shares how she built a photography business with a $2,000 average sale in a small town by offering personal branding photography, product photography, and content creation services for small businesses.They discuss:• Photography marketing strategies for small markets• How to increase photography pricing through value-adds• Running simple Instagram and Facebook ads• Partnering with stylists and content creators• Packaging B-roll social video with photography sessions• Booking branding clients through networking• Creating photography packages for small business ownersIf you’re a photographer looking to increase your photography pricing, attract better branding clients, and simplify your marketing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right away.If you’re building a photography business, want to grow your portrait photography income, or are curious about how to make money from photography online, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.👉 For more videos like this, visit: https://theportraitsystem.com/ABOUT THE PORTRAIT SYSTEM:The step-by-step system to turn your portrait photography into a profitable business.Build a solid foundation for the portrait business you wantAttract the right clients over and over againConfidently create the work you’re proud ofStreamline, scale, and grow with purposeJoin an international community of thousands of photographers learning to build and succeed in their portrait businesses.With hundreds of specially designed courses to help you create and grow a profitable contemporary portrait business.Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, The Portrait System gives you the tools to build a portrait business that supports your life.FOLLOW US:JOIN The Portrait System: https://theportraitsystem.com/FB: /theportraitsystemIG: /theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Photography Pricing & Marketing: Stop Chasing Leads and Build Real Profit (Vanessa Joy)
Mar 2300:53:28Summary readyMost photographers don’t fail because of their photography, they fail because of pricing and marketing. In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, Nikki sits down with Vanessa Joy (working photographer + educator, in business since 2008) to talk about what it really takes to keep a photography business profitable and sustainable.In this conversation, Vanessa breaks down:Why “I need more leads” is usually the wrong problemHow to market with a wide net (and why there’s no magic bullet)The biggest fix when you’re “posting everywhere” but still not getting inquiriesHow to audit your first impression (website + social + messaging)Sales + branding: why “branding” is really voice + communicationPricing without emotion: how to use math + data to set prices that actually support your lifeOutcome-based selling: stop selling “hours + number of images” and sell the transformationRaising prices without panic: keeping some clients, losing others, and finding the next pondSystems that prevent burnout: CRM workflows, email templates, SOPs, automationsHiring associate photographers: how to sell “the studio/team” (not just you)If you’re serious about building a photography business that lasts, this episode will save you years of trial and error.Find Vanessa:VanessaJoy.com (photo work + corporate work + education)If this helped, subscribe, share it with a photographer friend, and drop a comment: What’s harder for you right now — pricing or marketing?If you’re building a photography business, want to grow your portrait photography income, or are curious about how to make money from photography online, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.👉 For more videos like this, visit: https://theportraitsystem.com/ABOUT THE PORTRAIT SYSTEM:The step-by-step system to turn your portrait photography into a profitable business.Build a solid foundation for the portrait business you wantAttract the right clients over and over againConfidently create the work you’re proud ofStreamline, scale, and grow with purposeJoin an international community of thousands of photographers learning to build and succeed in their portrait businesses.With hundreds of specially designed courses to help you create and grow a profitable contemporary portrait business.Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, The Portrait System gives you the tools to build a portrait business that supports your life.FOLLOW US:JOIN The Portrait System: https://theportraitsystem.com/FB: /theportraitsystemIG: /theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Tax Tips for Photographers: Deductions, Mileage, and Year-Round Prep (with Heather Lacey)
Feb 2400:50:15Summary readyTaxes don’t have to be the thing you avoid until April. In this episode of The Portrait System, Nikki sits down with Heather Leicy (tax prep educator + bookkeeper + working photographer) to break down photographer tax deductions, year-round tax prep, and the biggest “can I write this off?” mistakes.You’ll learn:What to do monthly so you’re not scrambling at tax timeA simple system for setting aside 20–30% for taxesCommon photographer deductions: education, software, gear, website costs, client giftsThe truth about meals/coffee write-offs (when it counts, when it doesn’t)Home office deduction basics and “dedicated space” rulesWhy mileage tracking is one of the most missed deductions (and the app Heather recommends)A simple breakdown of LLC vs S-corp taxation and why it’s a math decisionWhy sales tax rules vary so much by state (digital vs physical vs services)Important: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax laws vary by location and change over time. Always consult a qualified CPA/tax professional about your specific situation.Find HeatherInstagram: @heather.marie.LeicyCommunity: Conquer Community – theconquercommunity.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a photographer friend who needs a tax reset.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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From Rock Stars to Real People: Building a Lasting Photography Career
Feb 301:12:46Summary readyWhat does it really take to photograph celebrities and musicians and build a photography career that actually lasts?In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, Nikki Closser sits down with Jim Wright, a renowned photographer who has worked with iconic musicians, A-list celebrities, and major publications. Jim pulls back the curtain on the real business of celebrity and music photography - beyond the glamour.You’ll learn:How Jim broke into celebrity and music photography without a traditional planThe truth about licensing, usage, and work-for-hire contractsWhen (and when not) to shoot for exposureWhy relationships matter more than portfoliosHow personal work, family portraits, and commercial projects can coexistWhat photographers misunderstand about pricing and sustainabilityWhether you’re an aspiring photographer or an established pro, this conversation is packed with honest insights about longevity, creative integrity, and building a career on your terms.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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From Full Time Job To Successful Photography Business Within 1 Year with Damien Carter
Dec 2200:59:25Summary readyGet a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/Today, on The Portrait System Podcast, our guest is portrait & lifestyle photographer Damien Carter. Listen in as host Nikki Closser interviews Damien about how he built his business for success in less than a year after being laid off from his full-time job. Damien tells us all about how he keeps his prices high and clients coming back. If you're looking for inspiration this week, then this episode is for you!PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryHow Ivan Weiss Infuses Uniqueness & Creativity Into His Headshots (Re-Release)
Dec 1900:57:11Summary readyGet a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/On today's special re-release of The Portrait System Podcast, our guest is portrait photographer Ivan Weiss. Listen in as host Nikki Closser interviews Ivan about his process, his business and how he infuses creativity and uniqueness into his headshot sessions. If you're looking for inspiration this week, then this episode is for you!PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryHow Teri Hofford Expanded Her Photography Brand With Body Positivity (Re-Release)
Dec 1601:11:39Summary readyGet a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/Today, we have a very special re-release of the Portrait System Podcast! In this episode, host Nikki Closser interviews photographer/author/activist and body image expert Teri Hofford, who tells us about how she managed to expand her brand with body positivity. Listen in as Teri shares the ups and downs of her journey, how her own relation to body image has changed through the years, and how she now spreads body positivity to people around the world. If you're looking for an uplifting and inspiring conversation, then this podcast episode is for you!PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryFrom A $300 To $3500 Sales Average with Stephanie Alvarez Ewens (Re-Release)
Nov 2100:49:07Summary readyGet a FREE Posing eBook from The Portrait System here: https://the-portrait-system.lpages.co/podcast-pose-funnel/To end the year off on a strong note, we are re-releasing a very special episode of The Portrait System Podcast! Host, photographer and educator Nikki Closser interviews Stephanie Ewens who tells us all about her amazing inspiring story. Stephanie went from being a shoot and burn photographer with a $300 sales average to a full time working photographer with a $3500 average. Don’t miss out on this episode and don’t forget to subscribe for more inspirational stories!PODCAST LISTENER SPECIAL!! If you want to get started with the Portrait System, get a special discount using code “POD7” to get one month access for just $7 here https://theportraitsystem.com/pricing/IG https://www.instagram.com/theportraitsystem/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/theportraitsystemSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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