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Nikki Klosser
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Stephanie Evans
Everyone has qualities within themselves that either haven't been uncovered or they're not aware of, but we all hold these qualities and so doing this experience of a photo shoot can really pull those out. And then you've got this image and or images that reflect these qualities and you're like, damn, you know, like, that's me.
Nikki Klosser
Welcome to the Portrait System podcast.
I'm your host, Nikki Klosser, and this show is here to help you succeed.
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To help you learn to become financially.
Free, doing what you love and so much more.
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Have taken what they've learned from both.
Our episodes and from theportraitsystem.com and they.
Have grown their businesses, quit their day.
Jobs and are designing a life of their dreams.
We keep it real and share stories.
About the ups and downs that come with running a photography business.
You'll hear real life stories of how other photographers run their business and you'll.
Learn actionable steps that you can take.
To reach your own goals.
Thank you so much for being here.
And let's get started. My guest this week on the Portrait System podcast is Stephanie Evans. Stephanie has been a photographer for 20 years, but she burned herself out with being shoot and burn until she found the Portrait System a few years ago. Stepping Stephanie raised her sales average from $300 to $3,500. And she says she went from grinding away to finding so much joy in what she does again. She tells us about her Women With Vision campaign and how she incorporates corporate shoots into her business, as well as how she includes a clothing stylist and makeup and hair artists into her client experience. I am so excited to introduce you to Stephanie Evans. Let's get started. Hi Stephanie. Welcome to the Portrait System. How are you?
Stephanie Evans
I'm good. Thank you, Nikki, for having me. I'm really excited.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, I'm happy to have you here. It's really beautiful behind you. Are you in your studio?
Stephanie Evans
I am, yeah. Thank you so much.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah. For people listening, just, like, on podcast format or whatever, we do have clips of this on YouTube and most of our interviews, too. So if you want to see Stephanie's studio behind her, you can see that on YouTube. It's. It's like, very white wall. Like, white walls, super tall ceilings, lots of gorgeous artwork on the wall.
Stephanie Evans
So thank you.
Nikki Klosser
Portraits. Portrait artwork. All right, Stephanie, tell everyone where you live and how long you have been a photographer for.
Stephanie Evans
So I am in. I live in Cranston, Rhode island, but that's super close to Providence, which is the big city in our state. And I've been a photographer for about more than 20 years. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Okay. Yeah. This is not your first rodeo. Like, you've been. You've been doing this for a while.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. I studied economics in college and then was like, what am I going to do with that? And I took a photo class my senior year of college, and I thought, oh, my God, this is. I found it. I finally figured it out my senior year of college. Yeah. And so then after I graduated, I went to photojournalism school in San Francisco, and I sat in my first class, and I had goosebumps on my arm because I was just like, oh, my God, I figured it out. I'm so jazzed to be able to sit in this class. And I went on and did editorial work for a long time and dabbled in different types of photography. And then, was it five or six years ago, in 2017, I found Sue Brice, and then I started doing this portrait work, and it just all sort of came together and made sense for me. It was just telling people's stories, but doing portrait work and working with people, and so this is where I've landed.
Nikki Klosser
Okay, this is interesting because, you know, we hear that. We hear stories of people who did photography for a long time, but they either weren't making enough money, they were burning out. They weren't, like, finding the joy in it, and then they find a business model that really works for them. And, you know, obviously, because we are the portrait system and, you know, powered by, like, Sue Bryce education, all of that, a lot of times people say it's because of what that education they found. But if you could kind of give us a difference, just like, sum up the difference between when you were a photographer before versus now, and we're going to get into the details of all of it, but just like a little snapshot of what it was like before and what changed to make things better.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. So I think before I was, I was sort of grasping at all different things, Right. I was like doing weddings and I was doing editorial newspaper work and some portrait work, but I wasn't, I hadn't figured it out. And also, you're right, like, I hadn't figured out how to price myself and how to value myself in a way. And so when I did find sue and her business model, I was like, oh my gosh, I'm going to learn the business of photography and she's going to teach me all the other things. And I just, it's like I went back to school at night, I would sit on the computer and take her classes and it just all felt like it was landing into place and then I could move forward and really be successful. And it was so powerful for me.
Nikki Klosser
I love that. Did you find you were like, did your sales average go up and were you bringing in more clients or, you know.
Stephanie Evans
Absolutely.
Nikki Klosser
What was it? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Stephanie Evans
It went from, you know, nothing to barely making anything to just really having profit. And also, I think during the time when I was doing all these different types of photography and trying to figure out what, what fit for me, I was, I also had two small children. And so I was doing it all right. I was trying to work and raise small children, which, you know, is very hard. And so now my kids are older, they're 14 and 12. They are very self sufficient. And now I can sort of really focus on my business and I just feel much more focused with all of it.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, that's awesome. I mean, you're not alone in that. I think you're an extraordinary photographer. Your work is very beautiful.
Stephanie Evans
Thank you.
Nikki Klosser
And there are a lot of photographers out there who have work that is very beautiful. You know, amazing photographers, but don't know how to price themselves. Maybe haven't found the value in what they do or at least aren't valuing their time, you know, the time, the money and all of that. And you can be the best photographer in the world, but if you don't have a focus or, you know, a plan, especially when it comes to pricing and selling and all of that, it doesn't matter how good you are, you know, it's like.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, right.
Nikki Klosser
It's crazy. Okay, so let's back up a little bit. So five to six years ago, you said you were just dabbling in a little bit of Everything. And then you decided, like, it was time to focus. You found sue, portrait system, education, all of that. What kind of changes did you make? So, like, take us through that.
Stephanie Evans
Well, I think first and foremost, I was pricing differently. I just. I was not. I remember.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah. I was gonna say, do you remember what you were doing before? Like, I was doing $75 shoot and burn, or then I remember getting up to like, $400 for all the digitals, like 100 digitals or whatever. And then that was kind of it. And then I didn't really make any money.
Stephanie Evans
Any money.
Nikki Klosser
Oh, I remember those days.
Stephanie Evans
So, yeah, I was doing the same. About 300 an hour. And you get all the digitals and working really hard and, you know, and I also feel like I didn't understand, okay, you need to save certain amount for taxes, and you need to save a certain amount for your business. Like, I wasn't putting my money into those funnels, so I was spending it all.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, well, in hearing you say, like, 300 an hour, if you heard someone say, like, you make $300 an hour, but that's just like your shooting time.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
That doesn't include all of the editing time, all of the client interactions. You know, everything from even just like, calling the photos and getting things uploaded, your travel to and from wherever you're shooting. I mean, I remember doing an exercise, and if you're out there listening, you haven't done something like this yet. Track the amount of time that you're spending. And if you are doing like a shoot and burn, even if it's like 5, 6, $700, and that feels like a lot to you, break down the amount. Like, first of all, take out your expenses. Website fees, if you have, like, retouching fee or account, accountant fees, gallery fees, all of the things. If you do prints, take all of that out, take what you have left, then take 30% off for tax. You know, think about, like, business insurance, all of it, and how much you have left, and divide it by how many hours you spent, and it's kind of sickening.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, well. And then you think about studio costs, and I have a team and all that. Yeah. You know.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, well. And I think. I think a lot of people who are listening probably are. I think some people are, but a lot of people probably aren't at that point yet where they have the team in the studio or whatever. When you add that on top of it, like, you have to charge even more. Like, if you ever want all of those things, you really have to get in that mindset of charging enough to sustain. Yeah. But even without the team and all of that, charging 3 to $700 for a shoot, after you take out all the other expenses that I mentioned, you have to do so many shoots in order to, like, earn a living wage. And, I mean, I guess it depends on where you live, but, I mean, you have to do a lot of shoots.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. You know.
Nikki Klosser
Okay, so you were, you know, at around $300 for a shoot, and then did you just, like, all of a sudden raise your prices, or was it a. Was it a process?
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, I did. I started low, lower than I am now, where I felt comfortable, like, okay, I think I can charge this much, you know, and then. And then you get a couple people that. That take you up on it, and then they're happy with their images, and you're like, oh, okay, this. This. You know, it's like a process. It's all. It's all a process. Everything's opportunity, you know?
Nikki Klosser
Yep.
Stephanie Evans
And so I just built, you know, kept growing that each year till. And, you know, now I'm at a place where I feel like I could charge a little bit more, but I'm happy. I want to stay in a place where I can be affordable for certain clients, so I feel happy where I'm at now.
Nikki Klosser
So you were at $300 a shoot. Where are you at now?
Stephanie Evans
So my session fee right now is $950.
Nikki Klosser
$950?
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
So that's. I mean, that's just for the session fee.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah. Okay. That's a big jump.
Stephanie Evans
I have a team, and, you know, I have a wardrobe stylist that works with my clients and a professional hair and makeup. And so. And then my collections. I have three collections, so 10, 20, and 30 images. 10 is 2500. 20 images is 4000. 30 images is 5250. Wow.
Nikki Klosser
So you went from charging just $300 for a bunch of digitals to now packages starting at $2,500, plus the session fee of 950. So people are coming in spending no less than $3,500 when you used to charge 300.
Stephanie Evans
Correct.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, that's pretty significant.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Okay. Now, I know you have more overhead now, of course, because you said you have the styling consultant, which is amazing. You have your studio, hair, and makeup. So do you know your numbers? Like, let's say someone purchases your middle package. Do you know what your take home is per shoot?
Stephanie Evans
I do, but I don't have it.
Nikki Klosser
With me right now. Okay, that's okay. If you don't, it's on a piece of paper somewhere. But is it more than, like, the 300?
Stephanie Evans
Oh, yeah, for sure. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
I hope so. Otherwise I'd be like, we need to talk about your expenses.
Stephanie Evans
And I have a retoucher, so I'd say if it's a $4,000 package, plus the session fee, that's almost 5,000, I'd say I take home is probably like, you know, not including taxes and all that stuff. So 3,000. 3,200 or something like that. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
That's incredible.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Very incredible.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
All right, tell people, Stephanie, what type of shoots are you doing? And then we'll get into your package and what's included, because I know you also include prints, too, but we'll talk about that in a second. Tell us, what type of shoots are you doing and are you only doing in studio? Do you ever go on location or outdoors? All that good stuff.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. So most of my clients are coming to me for personal branding. Either they're going through a transition in their life, or they're starting something new. And that could look like, you know, an ER doc is starting a lifestyle coaching company, or they're, you know, going out on their own as a lawyer and she's starting her own business. Yep. That's most of what my clients are coming to. To me for. I also do personal portrait portraiture, and I'm on my second round of my 40 over 40, which I'm calling Women with Vision, which is really exciting. And then I just started offering this corporate experience packages for companies and organizations, which I'm super excited about.
Nikki Klosser
Nice. I actually saw that page on your website when I was doing my research, and I really love that page. Your whole website is done very beautifully.
Stephanie Evans
Thank you.
Nikki Klosser
Like, it looks luxury, but it also has that sort of classic, kind of timeless feel to it. So you do a really nice job on it.
Stephanie Evans
Thank you.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah. And I was interested in the corporate experience because we don't talk a whole lot about corporate, you know, on this. And I know. So there's personal branding, there's corporate. And I know with. With mine, it's. It's different the way that I charge and just kind of attack each one, depending. Attack? Okay. Not really attack, but you know what I mean, how I approach each shoot. So, like, for example, I just photographed a team of 10 people. I went to their office. Like, I'm going to price that differently than if I have one person, like you said, who needs personal branding for a new business or whatever. To me, I Do those things a little bit different. I'm curious if you price things different for your corporate experience and what that entails versus personal branding, for sure.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. I mean, if it's on location, there's going to be an on location fee. If I'm bringing in an assistant, there's going to be that. So I am incorporating all that. I'm starting sort of at like 695 a person, but it depends on the company and, you know, all that stuff. If it's three days versus one day, then if it's three days, I'm going to come back down a little bit. Right. Because I'm ultimately, you know, having more profit from doing these three days than just one day.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, yeah. And that's the thing with corporate. Like, it's not so cut and dry. Like, if one person comes to my studio, I know what the packages are. I know how many people I'm photographing. I know I need to book in hair and makeup for one person. I know how long it's gonna take me, how many images I'm gonna retouch. Like, it's very straightforward, but with corporate, it can range. Like, there was this one, and I think I've mentioned this before, but there was this one job that I did where it was like a $40,000 job, but it entailed me traveling to, I think it was five in the United States and photographing 12 people. And on top of it, you know, my profit, they paid for my travel and all of that. Like, it can just vary so wildly, like with what they need and. Yeah. So, like, how do you. How do you decide? How do you decide what to do?
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, I start with those base things, you know, location, how many people, how many days are we going to be shooting? You know, I always have my hair, makeup artist and wardrobe stylist. That's a big part of it and I think a big part of what draws people to hire me for them. It's. It's very. It's a very unique experience. It's a very great way to empower your team and to make them feel lifted up and it's a bonding experience. Yeah. So, yeah, all those, those first factors go into play. Right. And then is it a larger company and they have a bigger budget, or is it a tiny company and they have a small budget? So I try to really stay true to my pricing, but also work within what, what the company can do.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, sometimes it's tricky because you're just like, you kind of want to know, like, so what Is your budget, like, how much do you really have to spend? I just, I just bid a job. I just finished it actually, not too long ago. And she said yes a little quickly. And I was like, damn, you know, like, I wish I would have bumped that one up a little bit. And I made, I made great money doing it. But it's like, you never know with corporate companies because oftentimes in Q4, like at the end of a quarter, they still have money to spend and if they don't spend it, that money goes away. So it's. Yeah, I feel like, I mean, I've gotten it down to a science now, but there are times with corporate where you just never know what someone is bidding.
Stephanie Evans
No.
Nikki Klosser
And you never know where you fall on the spectrum of am I. Are they going to think I'm expensive or not?
Stephanie Evans
Totally.
Nikki Klosser
But saying all of that, I always have to remind myself of this too. It really doesn't matter what other people are charging and I might be the most expensive one, but if I'm. If they know based on whether it's just seeing my website or talking to other people who have photographed, you know, done photo shoots with me or whatever, that service, that quality of photos, that connection you make with people, even if you are the most expensive, if you've got that reputation, sometimes it doesn't really matter.
Stephanie Evans
True.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah.
Stephanie Evans
And I've definitely lost jobs because I have bid too high and. Another learning opportunity, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Which I feel like that's okay too, because when I bid something, I'm not like, yes, I want to make money for sure, but I'm looking at like, this is what I need to make it worth it for me, you know, and then I'll go a little bit over that. And again, so much of this comes down to doing your numbers. And I know I harp on this all the time, but like using that pricing calculator, the one we have on the portrait system, have you used it? Have you tried it?
Stephanie Evans
Yes, yes, yes. It's great.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, it's very eye opening.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, it is.
Nikki Klosser
So, yeah, I mean, that's the last.
Stephanie Evans
Time I raised my prices was because I was like looking at my numbers and talking to my accountant and being like, oh, oh, that's only bringing home after all that, you know, it really, it's so important to look at those daily if you can, and if not monthly, and have a, you know, understanding of, okay, this is my profit and this is my expenses and can I bring down my expenses? Like last year I really worked on bringing down expenses. And my accountant was like, good job, Steph.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, yeah.
Stephanie Evans
You know, it's. And it's so important. And I didn't look at that for years. I was. I just wasn't aware of it or I didn't think about it. But it's essential to creating a successful business.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, it's so true. You know, when I first started and got my first studio, it was eleven hundred dollars a month. And I don't even pay that now. Like, I pay way less than that now. Cause I do a studio share.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
But I remember having to go through the same exercise where my expenses were just too high. Like, I was like, I am bringing in a shit ton of money and I feel like my bank account is not reflecting that. Like, what is going on? And I went through the same exercise and that was when I decided I was going to share my studio space with a makeup artist. I had gotten a new studio at that point and that cut my costs in half. And that was significant. And. And yeah. And now I'm at a point where I know I've mentioned before, sorry, listeners, if you hear this over and over again, but that I do, I do the studio share now because it's lower overhead. I don't have to manage it, clean it. I mean, I clean up after myself, but I don't have to be in charge of it. And for me, and where I'm at in my life and my career, that feels really good. Like I can just go into that studio three or four times a month. I can pay my, you know, my monthly little couple hundred dollars fee and I'm good to go where there was a time in my career where I needed, aside from sharing with my makeup artist, I had to have full access to that studio. Cause I was doing, you know, 10, 12 shoots a month. So I just think it's really important for everyone to look at where they're at and then 100% cutting those expenses if you can.
Stephanie Evans
Mm.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
So, okay, talk to us a little bit about your whole process with the. The styling, you know, the wardrobe stylist and hair and makeup and all of that.
Stephanie Evans
Okay. Yeah. So once I book in a client, we schedule our consult. So a 45 minute consult with them. I try to do that at least two weeks before the shoot to really get to. If I don't know them already. Rhode Island's a small place, so a lot of my clients that come in either have come in before or I've known them in, you know, other jobs. I've Done and stuff like that. But so I'll have my consult with them, and then two weeks before the shoot, they meet with my wardrobe stylist, Keely, who's awesome, and she'll.
Nikki Klosser
You use Keely?
Stephanie Evans
I do.
Nikki Klosser
Is this the same Keely? Yeah, it's the same Keely that Claire uses. Oh, she was on the podcast. Fantastic.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, Claire introduced me to her. So we've been working with each other for three years, and she'll either meet people where they at and work with what they have within their wardrobe, or if they're up for renting, she helps them rent clothing on Rent the Runway, which is such an awesome experience for my clients.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah.
Stephanie Evans
And then hair and makeup. The day of, my hair makeup artist is here. So Keely and the hair and makeup artists are here for the whole entire shoot. They're my second and third pair of eyes, and they're just awesome. They're part of my hype team. They're essential to the whole experience. And clients love, love that part of it of, you know, having a makeup artist and a wardrobe stylist is such a bonus.
Nikki Klosser
And.
Stephanie Evans
And they learn so much, and I learned so much. We all learned so much from each other. So we have a really good time in here. And, you know, I tell clients, like, don't be nervous when you get here, because it's going to be like, we're just hanging out. We're just chatting. We're talking about beauty secrets, or we're talking about life. Life experience. So it's just really nice when they get in here, if they're nervous. The minute they sit in the chair, they calm down. You know, I'm futzing around the studio getting ready, chatting with Keely at the order of outfits. We do four. Four outfits. And for the longer shoots. And then, yeah, it's just a really good time.
Nikki Klosser
Awesome. Okay, now, when it comes to the team, I know you said for corporate, you also incorporate your team. Have you ever had. You know, people will always say that to me. Like, okay, you charge per person, but do you also. Does that include hair and makeup? And I'm like, no, I would not make money if that. My per person included hair and makeup. Not a chance. Do you make it, like a mandatory situation for corporate? Like, what if you have a team of 15 and they're like, no, we just don't want to do that part. Like, we just don't want the hair and makeup. Do you do the shoot anyway, or is it like, nope, this is just part of it?
Stephanie Evans
Good question. I'VE done it without and it's not as great, you know, so now I'm just. Yeah, I'm just like, that's what it is. If, you know, if that's. If you're gonna hire me, that's just part of the deal. It makes the experience better for everyone. Being photographed, it's something they don't normally experience. You know, a lot of people, I feel like, have PTSD from getting their headshots because it's like an assembly line. It's like move through, move through, which is fine, but it's not what I'm offering. And I've had people come up to me and be like, I can't believe my company did this for me. You know, like, this has been so cool and such a neat experience. Thank you so much. So it's non negotiable at this point for me.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, yeah, yeah. And yes, you might lose jobs that way. I have and I kind of go back and forth about this, about whether or not I'm going to make it mandatory.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
And for smaller teams, I'm usually able to talk them into it. For the larger ones, though, like, what's the large, like the biggest number of corporate, like people in a corporate shoot that you've done?
Stephanie Evans
Oh, gosh, in 2022, we did probably like 150 or, I don't know, it was a span over like three or four months. But we, we did a large number and it was touch up hair and makeup. So it was literally like five minutes in a chair. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Okay.
Stephanie Evans
Which is a way to get through it. Like you're gonna have your makeup. Yeah. Not full. It was touch up.
Nikki Klosser
Hey, just a quick break to tell you that since you're here listening, you.
Have access to a really great offer.
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I'll see you there. Yep, yep. And then are you charging an extra fee for them to pay for Them.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Okay. Yep. All right. So. So I. It sounds like we're similar then with this. Because that's what. Because in my head, I'm thinking 150 people. Like, I don't know how many, you know, females that would prefer a full face of makeup. Whatever. Like, how would you even. Just the scheduling of that sounds like a nightmare. That's. That's the part that I struggle with the most, is scheduling the time for the hair and makeup portion of it. That's the part that does my head in. So it's like, if I have eight people, I'm like, okay, how many people am I gonna have ready at one time? If two people are in hair and makeup and da, da, da. It's like my ADHD brain is like, I cannot do it.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
So when you're saying it's non negotiable, you're like, it might be just touch up hair and makeup that you're charging a set fee for. Okay. That's how I do it too.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah. Like, I just. I'm on day. Let's see. I have one more day tomorrow of I photograph 300 people. Every year. The dental graduates. Yeah. And they pay the fee for my makeup artist to be there, and she assists me as well as doing touch up hair and makeup. So.
Stephanie Evans
That's awesome.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah. Yeah, it's. It does. It makes a difference. She's. She's right there, like, for the spraying down flyaways and just things that. And retouching can take a lot longer or, like, getting rid of shine or fixing lipstick. Like, just all the little things. It really adds up, having that extra. And they feel cared for.
Stephanie Evans
Yes.
Nikki Klosser
Like Stephanie there, I can't tell you. And I'm wondering if you've experienced this too, where they have Megan on one side, we always ask first if it's okay to fix their hair and touch them. Like, Megan's on one side. Like, you know, just, like, making sure their hair, like, gently, like, fixing flyaways or whatever. And I'm, like, fixing their necklace. And they are just, like, putty in our hands. They're like, wow, this is so great. Like, yes. Like, thank you for doing this. Like, thank you for fixing my hair and telling me how to pose. And it's just a great experience. It makes a difference.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. And they feel seen. I think that's the best part. They feel seen. They feel pampered. They feel like, you know, treasured, valued. Like, oh, my gosh. My company hired people to come in and, like, make me feel like A movie star, you know, and that can do so much for someone. And then you have a photo that shows these qualities in these people that, like, is shining because they've been taken care of. Right. So that's just. It's so important. And I believe. I believe everybody can have a good headshot. That's like, one of my main missions in life is, like, everyone can have a good photo. And maybe you just haven't had the experience yet where you can get that. So. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, I do. I have a lot of clients who have said to me, this is night and day compared to, you know, the photographer that my company hired. For everyone to just, like, to go through and just get a quick headshot versus what you just did for me.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
And so if. If we can, like, convince those in charge that, like you said, it's a team bond, team building, experience. It is any team that I've done this. Like, I'm thinking back to. It was actually a dental office, not totally different than what I'm doing now. This was out in Seattle. And he had all of his. The dentist was. Was a guy. He had all of his hygienists come in for, you know, hair and makeup. And they're one or two hygienists that were male and preferred not to have makeup, whatever. But they were like. They closed down the office for half day. They had this two half days, actually, we ended up doing. They were like, this is the best thing ever. They went out after for happy hour. Like, it just was. Was very cool. Yeah, very cool.
Stephanie Evans
It's really cool.
Nikki Klosser
Okay, let's talk a little bit about your marketing. How have. I know you said Rhode island is small, but how. How are you getting people in the door?
Stephanie Evans
A lot of it is word of mouth, and that's what's so great about Rhode Island. People are talking about, you know, their experiences. And I've gotten a lot of people that are like, we hear you're the best, Steph. I. I do a lot of realtors, so they all, you know, they need headshots, so they are coming back and then talking, and then, you know, you see it in the local magazine, and some of them put my name next to it. So it's. That's been a huge bonus for me. And we joke that Rhode island is, like one or two degrees of separation from everybody. And when I first moved here 20 years ago, I'm originally from California. I started working for a local newspaper, the business newspaper. And so I was meeting. Not only was I getting to Know the state really well. I was driving into all different parts of the state, so I was learning how to drive in Rhode island, which is so different from California. I remember it was like MapQuest. You had to print out your map back then. And I remember just like sitting in my car crying, being like, I don't know where I am. But that's all changed. And so I met a lot of people that way. And that's when I started to go off on my own. And I was like, oh, I can start a business this way because I can do stuff on the side. And people are like, do you do other stuff? And so that's how I got a lot of clientele. So that sort of started my base. And then when I went into just portrait work, then I had people that I had already photographed or I had known.
Nikki Klosser
And so, yeah, I just recently interviewed Stacy Ideas, and one of the questions that I asked her was, what happens when clients who used to pay $300, all of a sudden you're like, yep, so my session fee is 950 now. Or do you, you know, do you have past clients who are coming back to you and, and how do you handle that?
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, I don't really. I think people know now that I'm not gonna be the least expensive photographer, but they're gonna get a good experience. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
So you have. You had past clients that come back and you had to tell them your new pricing, or do you feel like it just kind of you started over with a brand new clientele?
Stephanie Evans
It's funny, I had a woman in here from 15 years ago last week, and she didn't say anything. I think she. About the new pricing because back then it was like 300 bucks for a couple hours and, you know, all the photos. But she's also in a different place. You know, she's head of DEI at a Ivy League college, and so she's like, I need to upscale my game. And. Yeah, so I think, I think people just understand and it's so different. Like, what I offer now is so different from what I was offering in the past.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, for sure, for sure.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
I feel like in the, in like the real estate world, when you see your competitors that have these like, gorgeous photos, I feel like it makes other agents step up their game. So it's like, even if people aren't directly saying, oh, yeah, you should get your photos, you know, by Stephanie and blah, blah, blah, even just seeing in the same industry other people's photos around town, I think that makes a big Difference, too, whether or not they hire you or someone else, you know, but it. It really does. It's. We have such a visual craft to market with that. It makes. It's just. It makes a huge difference.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. And so for realtors, it's so important for them to have a good image of themselves. Right. That's their face. That's the first impression people see of them. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah. My kids are in elementary school and last year. So our schools are kindergarten through second grade, and then it goes third through fifth grade for elementary. So two different buildings. And last year, as a gift to the staff, because, you know, I used to be a school social worker. I know how hard they work. It is a thankless job. I was like, I'm giving everyone new headshots. And I did. I set up, and whoever wanted to come in could get their new headshots. Well, my kids are at the K12 school. Well, one of my best friends is a fifth grade teacher at, you know, the other building, and she's like, Nikki, it was hilarious because when they would do these, like, all staff development for the. For both buildings together, and they were showing certain teachers or whatever their headshots, because most teachers have the school, you know, photo. And nothing against, like, some. I don't mean to say that, like, the school photographer didn't do a great job with teachers or anything like that, but there's just a. At least in the photos that I took versus what they had, it's a. It's a pretty big difference. And so they'd be like, oh, my gosh, like, why does Mrs. Smith have, like, glamour photos? How did she. How. Why do they, like, how do we get this? You know? And my best friend is like, well, one of my best friends, she's like, oh, just wait. Like, her son's gonna be in third grade in our building next year, and she's gonna do it for us. And everyone's like, sweet. And that's not to say I'm going to get all of these teachers as new clients, you know, but when people see that, they want it, it's just different. Yeah. So totally. We have such a great way to market our craft when it's so visual.
Stephanie Evans
Totally.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah. So anyways, I was laughing when my friend told me that. She was like, we were out to dinner, and she's like, it's so funny. And I keep telling people, just wait, we're going to get it anyway. Okay, so let's go back to packages. I know I said we were going to come back to that on your website, I noticed that in your frequently asked questions, it says what if you just want the digitals and then tell people what you say for that?
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, I tell them it's the same amount of work and time to produce a digital versus a print and it's the same price. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Okay. Is that also for personal branding and corporate or do you do digital type packages for them? Like, how does that work?
Stephanie Evans
I do digital for personal branding. Corporate, yes.
Nikki Klosser
Okay.
Stephanie Evans
I don't do.
Nikki Klosser
Okay, yeah, yeah, that was what I was wondering. So for when. So if you're doing some other sort of like the 40 over 40 or maternity or you know, whatever that is, then that comes with the prints. Yeah, regardless.
Stephanie Evans
Exactly. If it's a. If it's a, like a portrait session or 40 over 40 that includes prints and I have folio boxes and now I'm offering albums.
Nikki Klosser
All right, and how, like if you were to do a breakdown, I know you said you do kind of mostly personal branding, but how many sort of regular portrait shoots are you doing as opposed to personal branding?
Stephanie Evans
I probably do. The majority of my shoots are personal branding. And then. Yeah, okay, yeah, but then the 40 over 40. Although this 40 over 40, I'm doing more. It's more personal branding and one outfit is for fun.
Nikki Klosser
Oh, okay.
Stephanie Evans
So I sort of swapped it.
Nikki Klosser
But okay, I like this idea of doing the 40 over 40 but for like personal branding. Headshots.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
As opposed to just. Not just because that's super important too, but celebrating being a woman in your 40s. I'm 46. I'm there. Like, I love it, I love the idea of it, but not every 40 year old woman feels the need. Like, I've had so many people be like, why would I need photos of myself like that? But if they are in the business world, if they are an entrepreneur, if they're. They do need personal branding photos. Which is why I love this genre so much. Because it is a need, not a want.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, for sure. And it's so fun. I love it.
Nikki Klosser
How do you market it?
Stephanie Evans
The personal branding or the 40?
Nikki Klosser
No, the 40 over 40.
Stephanie Evans
I mean, it's. I titled it Women with Vision and that's a huge umbrella. Like, what does that mean? People like, can I be a part of it? Like, yeah, you know, if you have a, if you're a leader, if you're an entrepreneur, if you're new, new leader, you can be a part of this. And I market it all on Instagram and word of mouth and I haven't done an Ad. But I'm going to just because I need to get a few more before I finish the project.
Nikki Klosser
So what do you say about it? Like, okay, two questions. How do you. Like, what do you say? Just, like, come in for your photo shoot. Like, how do you word it? And then two, what do they get for being part of it and how much are they paying?
Stephanie Evans
Okay, so they get. It's $100 less than the normal session fee, so it's 8:50. And then they get one image or $350 towards a collection. And then they get all the same things from a normal shoot that I offer. So wardrobe styling, hair and makeup consultation with me, the shoot, the reveal, and then I throw a party at the end of the project. So last. My last one was in April. And these are. You can see the prints here are, you know, leftovers from the show. So we had to show it in my studio, which was really fun. Awesome. And that was the best part, because it's just so cool to see women bring their family and be excited and stand next to their photo or take a picture with their photo.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, that's awesome.
Stephanie Evans
It was just really cool. And have them meet each other. So. And then how do I market it? What do I say? I. I just say, you know, I want to empower people. I want to have women be confident in front of the camera, mark this time in their lives. You know, I'm 46, so I, you know, I'm of the age of 40s and knowing what it feels like and stop societal norms of, like, you know, getting older is bad, actually. It's pretty freaking awesome. And hell yes, let's celebrate that, you know? Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Awesome. Okay. Very cool. Two more questions about pricing. One, do you know what your average sale is overall?
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, it's about 3,500.
Nikki Klosser
3,500. Okay. So from 300 to 3,500. That's amazing.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Okay. And then for when people come in, they get that one. One photo?
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Are they like, are you encouraging them to buy more? Do people ever just walk away with their one photo? What's that process?
Stephanie Evans
Good question. Yeah, it's rare. I've had maybe two people that have, like, been like, I just want two photos. But now I've. I've changed the way I talk about it in the consultation. So it's all about, like. Right. Educating your client. You know, like, we're putting all this time and all this effort. And so I asked, like, do you see yourself getting, you know, a package of album, a folio box, So I can sort of gauge, you know, or how much do they want in the end and then. But often people say, I think I'm just gonna get the first collection and they'll end up getting the second or the third, which is always a nice surprise. And it's just. It's like, ah. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Well, it sounds like, though, you're setting the stage, so using the language around, you know, when you get your extra photos, do you prefer A, B or C, like, as opposed to, oh, you get your one free photo and it's going to be so great and blah, blah, blah, like setting the stage and planting the seed that, yes, you're going to buy more without being pushy or salesy or, you know.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. And I don't. I used to put a la carte on my pricing sheet, and I don't anymore. I just. If they ask, I do, but I just say these are my collections. So it's just kind of like, this is what. This is what I offer.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, I don't do a la carte either. Yeah, I really haven't ever. Maybe right at the beginning. Oh, I remember when I switched over, this was right at the beginning, and I was giving out gift vouchers and someone came in and they wanted to. They used the gift voucher and then they just wanted to buy one. And I was like, oh, no. Like, you have to buy a package first. You can't just buy one, you know? And I was like, oh, God, I messed that up, because I did not educate them about that ahead of time. That was totally my fault. So I was like, oh, sorry.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
So I let them obviously just buy the one. But from there I was like, done and done. It's gone. It's very obvious on my pricing that, you know, in addition to your package collection, if you want to add on more, this is what the price is, you know, for one, for three, for 15, whatever.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah. Well, this is really cool. I'm excited for you.
Stephanie Evans
Aw, thanks, Nikki.
Nikki Klosser
This is good fun. Yeah. If you were to compare, you know, just your mindset from before, when you were doing the kind of shoot and burn 300 and how you were feeling then to how you feel and just your mindset now, is there a significant difference?
Stephanie Evans
For sure. It felt more of, like, a grind, and now there's way more joy in it. And I think also because, you know, we're in the business of helping women feel seen and empowered, and I think I come to it with a lot of empathy, you know, my own personal life. I've had experiences where I didn't feel seen. And so I. When. When I notice that someone doesn't feel that way, feel seen or empowered, I'm like, let's do this. You know, like, I've got you. We've got you. We're gonna make it an awesome experience. And I always say this is an experience that goes beyond the photo shoot, and it really does. It transcends into, you know, these. These people. Everyone has qualities within themselves that either haven't been uncovered or they. They're not aware of, but we all hold these qualities. And so doing this experience of a photo shoot can really pull those out. And then you've got this image and. Or images that show reflect these qualities, and you're like, damn. Yeah, you know, like, that.
Nikki Klosser
That's me.
Stephanie Evans
And so, yeah, it's so different from when I first started. And. And I really attribute that to learning from sue and the community. Like, I've made the best friends through Sue Bryce community. And, you know, I meet with three women every Monday, and we hold each other accountable.
Nikki Klosser
I love that.
Stephanie Evans
It's. It just makes my life so much richer and fun and joyful. And so, yeah, I'm really happy where I've landed.
Nikki Klosser
Oh, that's so fantastic. We love hearing that. It's just. It's amazing. Like, it is education, of course, like, the portrait system. I mean, there's like everything, you know, lighting, I don't. I know I'm preaching the choir to you, but business, lighting, selling, posing, pricing, self value, like, it's all there. But I think one of the more powerful pieces too, really, is it's just the people that lift you up. You know, we have such cool people that have been with us for years. It's just so fun. It's so. It's just wonderful to make, like, lifelong friends. I have so many friends in the photography community now. It's amazing.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Nikki Klosser
So I love to hear that you and the other three women do that for each other and. Yeah, yeah, that's. That's priceless. Oh, that makes me so happy. Awesome. Sweet. Well, thank you for sharing all of this. And I do have questions that I always ask at the end of each episode, and the first one is, what is something you can't live without when you're doing a photo shoot?
Stephanie Evans
My team, 100%. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
I had a feeling you're gonna say.
Stephanie Evans
They make it so much better in here and. Yeah, no, I just appreciate them so much and. And what they do for me and the client. It's Amazing.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah.
Stephanie Evans
Awesome. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
All right, number two is how do you spend your time when you're not working?
Stephanie Evans
Oh, my gosh. I love to cook. I love to be in nature. I love to. I love to move my body. I love being. If that's a form of self care for me is moving my body and being healthy. And I, you know, I do all that. And then I. I love being with my family and being by the ocean. Rhode island is tons of coastline, so, you know, we spend a lot of time by the water, which is awesome.
Nikki Klosser
Oh, sounds so beautiful.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
All right, number three is, what is a specific photography product that you would recommend to people?
Stephanie Evans
I mean, I love my profoto lights and. And then my. What do you call it, the belt that you put your camera.
Nikki Klosser
Oh, the spider holster. Yeah, a lot of people say that. Love my spider holster.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. Yeah. Awesome.
Nikki Klosser
All right, what. What profoto lights do you have?
Stephanie Evans
I have, though they don't make them anymore. The B1XS, I think that's what they are. Okay. Yeah, they're. They're the workhorses. But I love them. They just create such beautiful light.
Nikki Klosser
Cool. All right. And number four is, what would you tell people who are just starting out?
Stephanie Evans
There are so many different types of photography. Right. And I think that's what it was both great and hard for me when I was first starting out was I was working for a product photographer and I was working for. I was doing weddings and I was working for newspapers. So I got to really see all the different genres of photography. So if you're interested in photography, try stuff out, work for photographers, you know, assist, learn from them. I learned so much by assisting when I was first starting out and that really, you know, and then you can meet, you can find a niche that you really grab onto and then just find that niche and go for it. Because for me, portrait work has really been my jam. Like, it's incorporated all the stuff I love about photography and working with people and. Yeah, find a niche and go for it.
Nikki Klosser
Oh, so great. I'm with you on that.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah. Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Awesome. All right. Where can people find you online?
Stephanie Evans
Stephanieevans.com it looks like Ewens. It's Stephanie E W E N S. But it's pronounced Evans. It's weird. I know.
Nikki Klosser
It is pronounced Evans. Okay.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah, yeah. And stephanievans.com and then on Instagram, I'm Stephanie Evans Photography. And I'm on Facebook too, but more on Instagram.
Nikki Klosser
Yeah, I'm glad you said that. Normally I ask people at the very Beginning to pronounce their name. So I make sure 100% that I get it right.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
And I forgot to ask you that. So Stephanie Evans, even though it's E, it's like ewins.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Or sorry, E, W, E, N, S. Yeah. Make sure people know that.
Stephanie Evans
Yeah.
Nikki Klosser
Fantastic. Well, thank you, Stephanie. This has been wonderful. Thank you.
Stephanie Evans
You're welcome.
Nikki Klosser
Will you be going to WPPI and the Portrait Master?
Stephanie Evans
Yes, because I won the free ticket at the costume contest last year.
Nikki Klosser
Yay. That's awesome.
Stephanie Evans
What? Were you with my three girlfriends, who I call my photo wives, my accountability partners. We were Gilligan's Island. So I was Gill. I was. I was Julie. Julianne. Yeah. You know, Red. Ginger. No, no, I was. No, I was the one with the pigtails.
Nikki Klosser
Marianne.
Stephanie Evans
Marianne. Marianne. That was Marianne. And then.
Nikki Klosser
Oh, that's awesome.
Stephanie Evans
Randy was Gilligan and Carissa was Mrs. Howell. No, Ginger. And Hyundai was Mrs. Howell. It was hysterical.
Nikki Klosser
Oh, that's so awesome. I had to leave. I didn't get to go to the party because I had our family camping trip that was starting the next morning. Morning. So I had to leave that night. So I had to miss the last party. I was bummed. But that's exciting. I'm glad you'll be there. Give you a big hug when I see you.
Stephanie Evans
Awesome. Nikki, thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
Nikki Klosser
All right, take care.
Stephanie Evans
Take care. Bye.
Nikki Klosser
Thank you so much for listening to the Portrait System podcast. Your 5 star reviews really help us to continue what we do. So if you like listening, would you mind giving us a review wherever you listen? I also encourage you to head over to subryseducation.com where you can find all of the education you need to be a successful photographer. There are over 1000 on demand educational videos on things like posing, lighting, styling, retouching, shooting, marketing, sales, business and self value. There's also the 90 day startup challenge. Plus so many downloads showing hundreds of different poses. We have to do checklists for your business, lighting, PDFs. I mean, truly everything to help make you a better photographer and to make you more money. Once Again, that's Sue briceducation.com.
Podcast: The Portrait System Podcast
Host: Nikki Closser
Guest: Stephanie Alvarez Ewens
Episode: From A $300 To $3500 Sales Average with Stephanie Alvarez Ewens (Re-Release)
Date: November 21, 2025
In this episode, Nikki Closser interviews portrait photographer Stephanie Alvarez Ewens, who elevated her business from a modest $300 sales average to an impressive $3,500 (and more) per client after adopting the Sue Bryce business model. Stephanie shares her journey from burnout to a revitalized sense of creativity and fulfillment, the practical steps behind her transformation, and her strategies for pricing, client experience, and marketing. The episode offers actionable advice for anyone wanting to build a sustainable, joyful, and profitable photography career.
Location & Experience:
“I took a photo class my senior year of college, and I thought, oh my God, this is... I found it.” – Stephanie (03:19)
Old Model:
Current Model:
“I went from charging just $300 for a bunch of digitals to packages starting at $2,500, plus the session fee of $950. People are coming in spending no less than $3,500.” – Nikki (11:38)
Profit Breakdown:
“If it’s a $4,000 package, plus the session fee, that’s almost $5,000, I’d say my take home is probably like, you know… $3,200 or something like that.” – Stephanie (12:34)
Stephanie and Nikki both stress tracking every expense and every hour worked to understand true profit.
Growth in pricing aligned with increased value and exceptional client experience.
Both have used the Portrait System’s pricing calculator to determine sustainable rates.
“It’s so important to look at those [expenses] daily if you can, and if not monthly... It’s essential to creating a successful business.” – Stephanie (19:14)
Workflow:
Team:
“Having a makeup artist and a wardrobe stylist is such a bonus… Clients love, love that part of it.” – Stephanie (23:05)
Personal Branding: The majority of Stephanie's work, catering to professionals in transition or launching new ventures.
Portraiture: Including her campaign “Women With Vision” (modeled after “40 Over 40”).
Corporate Experience: Packages for teams and organizations, custom-priced per company needs.
“It’s a very unique experience. It’s a very great way to empower your team and to make them feel lifted up and it’s a bonding experience.” – Stephanie (16:25)
All-inclusive, experience-based pricing rather than à la carte; clients are guided toward collections rather than single images.
“It’s all about educating your client... Often people say, I think I’m just gonna get the first collection and they'll end up getting the second or third.” – Stephanie (40:20)
For branding or corporate, digitals are available, but for portrait sessions, all include prints (folio boxes or albums).
Word of Mouth: Rhode Island’s small community fuels reputation and referrals.
Connections: Early career at local business newspapers helped establish a network.
Website & Social Media: Luxury feel with approachable, timeless branding; Instagram and local magazines as primary platforms.
“People are talking about, you know, their experiences... A lot of people that are like, 'We hear you’re the best, Steph.'” – Stephanie (30:33)
The Power of Visuals: High-quality photography for local realtors and professionals inspires others to level up their own branding.
On Valuing Your Craft:
“You can be the best photographer in the world, but if you don’t have a focus or a plan, especially when it comes to pricing and selling, it doesn’t matter how good you are.” – Nikki (06:36)
On the Client Experience:
“Everyone has qualities within themselves that either haven’t been uncovered or they’re not aware of, but we all hold these qualities and so doing this experience of a photo shoot can really pull those out... And then you’ve got this image and or images that reflect these qualities and you’re like, damn, you know, like, that’s me.” – Stephanie (00:35 and 44:00)
On Corporate Headshots:
“People…have PTSD from getting their headshots because it’s like an assembly line. It’s like move through, move through…which is fine, but it’s not what I’m offering.” – Stephanie (24:12)
On Pricing Confidence:
“I try to really stay true to my pricing, but also work within what the company can do.” – Stephanie (16:25)
Stephanie attributes her business transformation not just to new pricing or packages, but to a holistic shift in mindset, self-value, and support from the Sue Bryce community. She stresses the power of education, connection, and continued self-assessment for sustainable growth.
“It felt more of, like, a grind, and now there’s way more joy in it. We’re in the business of helping women feel seen and empowered.” – Stephanie (42:51)
This episode is a must-listen for photographers seeking inspiration and tactical advice on leveling up, finding the joy again, and building a resilient, rewarding business.