The Portrait System Podcast: Episode Summary Title: Get An €1800 Sales Average In A Small Town of 200 People with Lisa Derevycka (Re-Release)
Host: Nikki Klosser
Guest: Lisa Derevycka
Release Date: July 9, 2025

1. Introduction to Lisa Derevycka

In this re-released episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Klosser welcomes Lisa Derevycka, a successful portrait photographer operating from the quaint village of Nuhi en Sancerre in France, which boasts a population of just 202 people. Despite initial doubts about the viability of running a high-earning photography business in such a small community, Lisa has achieved an impressive sales average of €1,700 per client with a fully booked calendar.

2. Living and Working in a Small Town

[02:28] Lisa Derevycka:
"I live in a tiny village called Nuhi en Sancerre, which has only 202 people."

Lisa describes her picturesque setting—living on a converted farm with a spacious studio atop a barn and a cozy living space below. The location, situated on a hill, offers stunning sunrise and sunset views, complemented by surrounding forests and non-maintained farmland. This serene environment not only provides a beautiful backdrop for her photography but also creates a unique atmosphere for her clients.

3. Transition from Painting to Photography

Lisa’s journey into photography began unexpectedly. Originally a painter with a deep passion for art and teaching, she found herself needing to document her artwork. [07:04] Lisa:
"I started photography because I wanted to keep a copy of my layered paintings."

This necessity sparked her interest, leading her to pursue formal photography education through platforms like Creative Live. She experimented with wedding photography, quickly discovering a niche with her light, airy, and feminine style that contrasted the predominantly male-dominated and traditional styles of the 2012 photography scene in her area.

4. Discovering the Portrait System

In 2016, Lisa encountered the Sue Bryce Education system, which proved transformative for her business. Attending a large seminar in London, she felt an immediate and personal connection with Sue Bryce’s teachings, despite being one among 600 attendees. This epiphany motivated her to revamp her business approach by setting up a dedicated studio space and implementing unique marketing strategies.

5. Innovative Marketing in a Limited Market

Operating in a small village, Lisa recognized the need to attract clients from surrounding larger towns and even as far as Paris. [05:55] Lisa:
"I had to market differently. I had to offer something special that you couldn't get nearby."

Her first standout project was a Marie Antoinette-themed shoot, which was both extravagant and unique in her region. By showcasing the entire creative process, from conception to execution, she built a compelling narrative around her services, making her offerings irresistible to clients willing to travel for a distinctive experience.

6. The 40 over 40 Campaign and Client Experience

A cornerstone of Lisa’s success is her 40 over 40 campaign, which targets women over the age of 40, a demographic often overlooked in portrait photography. [19:36] Lisa:
"The 40 over 40 campaign gives women a reason to celebrate themselves without feeling vain."

This campaign not only fills a niche market but also fosters a sense of community and empowerment among her clients. The culmination of each campaign is an exhibition, which has been well-received by the local community and further establishes Lisa’s reputation. Additionally, Lisa emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive client experience, involving pre-shoot consultations, personalized styling, and a supportive environment during the reveal of the final photographs.

7. Pricing and Value Proposition

Lisa discusses her strategic approach to pricing, which reflects the high value and unique experience she offers. [37:38] Lisa:
"I explain that it's not just a photo shoot; it's an experience and a service."

Her pricing structure includes a session fee that covers hair and makeup, followed by tiered packages based on the number of photos and the inclusion of luxury presentation boxes. Lisa addresses common client pushback by clearly communicating the quality and exclusivity of her offerings, ensuring clients understand the value they receive.

8. Overcoming Challenges with Authenticity

Operating in a market where portraiture is less prevalent, especially in Europe, Lisa leverages authenticity and personal connection in her marketing efforts. [31:05] Lisa:
"I market authentically by showing my life on the farm, my editing process, and being open about who I am."

This transparency builds trust and attracts clients who resonate with her genuine approach. Lisa also invests significant time in networking and community involvement, which not only broadens her reach but also reinforces her standing as a trusted and relatable photographer.

9. Personal Development and Self-Value

A pivotal moment in Lisa’s career was her engagement with self-value coursework, which profoundly influenced her business practices. [51:25] Lisa:
"Working on self-value helped me embrace who I am and confidently present my authentic self to clients."

This personal growth journey enabled Lisa to overcome insecurities and fully commit to her unique style and business model, ultimately driving her success in a competitive industry.

10. Advice for Aspiring Photographers

In the concluding segments, Lisa imparts valuable advice to new photographers:

• Embrace Authenticity: "Be yourself. Only you can do what you do."
• Focus on Experience: Prioritize creating a memorable and supportive environment for clients.
• Niche Marketing: Identify and target specific demographics to stand out in the market.
• Continuous Learning: Adapt and tailor established systems to fit your unique business needs.

Notable Quotes:

• [19:36] Lisa Derevycka:
  "The 40 over 40 campaign gives women a reason to celebrate themselves without feeling vain."

• [37:38] Lisa Derevycka:
  "I explain that it's not just a photo shoot; it's an experience and a service."

• [51:25] Lisa Derevycka:
  "Working on self-value helped me embrace who I am and confidently present my authentic self to clients."

• [58:28] Lisa Derevycka:
  "I accept the great adventure of being me. Only you can do what you do."

Conclusion

Lisa Derevycka’s story is a testament to the power of authentic marketing, niche targeting, and comprehensive client experience in building a successful photography business, even in a small town. Her journey from artist to thriving entrepreneur offers inspiring lessons for photographers worldwide aiming to elevate their craft and business practices.

For more insights and strategies on building a successful photography business, subscribe to The Portrait System Podcast and explore the extensive resources available at Sue Bryce Education.