The Portrait System Podcast

Episode: Booking 40 Shoots Within 6 Months of Starting a Business with Kelsey Comer (Re-Release)
Host: Nikki Closser
Guest: Kelsey Comer
Release Date: February 11, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Closser welcomes Kelsey Comer, a budding portrait photographer who has achieved remarkable success by booking 40 photo shoots within just six months of focusing on her portrait business. Kelsey's journey is not only inspiring but also a testament to determination, strategic marketing, and the transformative impact of the Sue Bryce Education business model.

Kelsey's Personal Journey

Kelsey begins by sharing her deep-rooted connection to photography, which started in her childhood with her grandfather. "I loved it so much," she reminisces (05:17) about her early experiences capturing moments on film. After a period of distancing herself from photography due to involvement in sports and other activities, her passion was reignited at 16 when her parents gifted her a photo shoot. This pivotal moment not only boosted her self-esteem but also set the stage for her future career in photography.

Transitioning from various jobs—including a stint as a bank teller and a brief period working in human resources—Kelsey realized her true calling lay in photography. Her dissatisfaction with corporate roles led her to pursue her passion more earnestly. "I was absolutely miserable," she admits (07:52), highlighting the stark contrast between her corporate career and her fulfilling work in photography.

Overcoming Challenges

Balancing personal challenges with professional aspirations, Kelsey faced significant hurdles, including her husband's accident and the responsibilities of motherhood. When her husband lost part of his hand, it underscored the importance of having a flexible income source. "It's just so amazing to be able to have a business that you can support yourself if needed when things happen," she reflects (03:38).

The arrival of her children introduced new complexities, especially in managing her workspace and time. Initially planning to convert her living room into a makeshift studio proved impractical with a toddler and a baby in tow. This led her to seek alternative studio spaces, emphasizing the necessity of a dedicated professional environment. "I needed a studio space outside of my home," Kelsey explains (04:03).

Marketing Strategies

Kelsey's breakthrough came with the implementation of the "40 over 40" campaign, inspired by a personal experience when she feared losing her mother without having cherished photographs. This campaign resonated deeply with her target audience, leading to an overwhelming response. "I had over 30 photo shoots booked at one time. I was so overwhelmed and grateful," Kelsey shares (23:18).

Her marketing efforts extended to Facebook ads and local mom groups, which proved instrumental in reaching her clientele. Despite finding Facebook's business suite challenging, Kelsey kept her campaigns simple, targeting women over 40 within a 25-mile radius. "I just kept it very basic. Women over 40, 25 miles," she notes (27:18). This straightforward approach yielded significant results without the need for complex targeting.

Business Growth and Success

Kelsey's strategic decisions, including creating a dedicated studio space and leveraging targeted marketing campaigns, led to substantial business growth. By offering unique packages and maintaining high-quality service, she successfully elevated her brand. "My average sale the last six months has been $1,200," Kelsey states (33:50), reflecting a significant increase from her initial pricing.

Her dedication paid off when she transitioned to full-time photography, leaving her stable job at the church after ensuring her business could sustain her family's needs. "In the month of July, my total amount brought in was over $8,000," she proudly mentions (29:02), solidifying her decision to commit fully to her photography career.

Pricing Strategy

A critical component of Kelsey's success was her strategic pricing adjustment. Initially offering packages ranging from $200 to $350, she realized the unsustainability of these rates. Inspired by Sue Bryce Education, Kelsey embraced higher pricing to reflect the value and quality of her services. "I concluded that I could not only charge those prices, but I had to charge those prices if I wanted to give my clients an incredible experience, beautiful products, and make a living," she explains (12:xx).

This shift not only improved her revenue but also allowed her to offer more premium products and services, such as printed reveals and customized photo collections. Her average sale increased to $1,200, with total business revenue reaching $45,251 in six months. "If that's not so clear on why that's not sustainable, I don't know what is," Kelsey emphasizes (35:20).

Conclusion and Advice

Kelsey's journey underscores the importance of investing in education, adapting pricing strategies, and leveraging effective marketing techniques. She advocates for photographers to invest in quality education, stating, "Whether you want to do this as a hobby or turn it into a career, definitely invest in education" (48:00). Her success story serves as a powerful example for aspiring photographers aiming to build a thriving business.

Kelsey also highlights the significance of community support and flexibility, both personally and professionally. Her story is a beacon of motivation, illustrating that with the right strategies and unwavering dedication, significant business milestones are attainable even amidst personal challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Kelsey Comer: "I had over 30 photo shoots booked at one time. I was so overwhelmed and grateful." (23:18)
• Kelsey Comer: "I concluded that I could not only charge those prices, but I had to charge those prices if I wanted to give my clients an incredible experience, beautiful products, and make a living." (12:xx)
• Kelsey Comer: "Whether you want to do this as a hobby or turn it into a career, definitely invest in education." (48:00)
• Kelsey Comer: "If that's not so clear on why that's not sustainable, I don't know what is." (35:20)

Final Thoughts

Kelsey Comer's journey from a passionate hobbyist to a successful portrait photographer exemplifies the transformative power of strategic business practices and dedicated personal effort. Her story offers invaluable insights into building a sustainable and rewarding photography business, making this episode a must-listen for photographers aiming to elevate their craft and business acumen.

Timestamp References

• 05:17 - Kelsey's first photo shoot experience
• 07:52 - Dissatisfaction with human resources job
• 03:38 - Importance of flexible income sources
• 04:03 - Need for dedicated studio space
• 23:18 - Overwhelming response to "40 over 40" campaign
• 27:18 - Simplified Facebook marketing strategy
• 33:50 - Average sales statistics
• 29:02 - Transition to full-time photography
• 48:00 - Advice on investing in education
• 35:20 - Sustainability of pricing strategy

Note: Timestamps 12:xx refers to the segment around the discussion of pricing strategy.