The Portrait System Podcast

Episode: How Danielle Jenkins Reached a $4000+ Sales Average (Re-Release)
Host: Nikki Closser
Guest: Danielle Jenkins
Release Date: October 30, 2025

Overview

In this rich and heartfelt episode, host Nikki Closser sits down with Dallas maternity photographer Danielle Jenkins to dissect the journey to a consistent $4,000+ sales average in her portrait business. Danielle reveals the evolution of her business, how she attracts and retains her ideal clients, structures her packages, incorporates passion projects into her business model, and stays grounded in her personal values as a mother and artist. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies and inspiration for building a meaningful, profitable photography business.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Danielle’s Path into Photography (03:16–06:12)

• Danielle began photographing as a hobby in 2009 while living in China.
• Opened her Texas studio in 2018 after discovering Sue Bryce Education in 2017 and attending the Portrait Masters conference.
• Importance of in-person learning and building peer connections:

  “After I was able to go in person and see everything set up...that really helped me push to the next limit.” (04:51, Danielle)

• Transitioned from shoot-and-burn to a structured, profitable model.

Building a Maternity-Focused Business (06:12–12:20)

• Used model calls and portfolio-building with friends to intentionally attract maternity clients.
• Key Marketing Principle:

  “You have to show what you want to book. If you don't have those shoots, it's doing model calls, it's asking friends and family, it's asking neighbors, old coworkers…” (06:12, Nikki)

• Show transparency in model call offers and set clear expectations to prevent confusion or disappointment.

Confidence Through Posing Mastery (08:36–12:20)

• Learning to confidently pose clients transformed Danielle’s business and self-belief as a photographer.
• Pinterest used for posing inspiration but adapted for real people, not just models.

  “These Pinterest ladies...are models. Most of the time, it’s not going to work exactly like that for us. However, we use it as a starting point.” (09:43, Danielle)

• Maternity posing has limitations—variety in posing and cropping is more restricted than with other genres.

Creating Repeat Clients Beyond Maternity (14:26–15:09, 19:33)

• Danielle diversified her offer to encourage return business—without resorting to traditional family session routes she doesn't enjoy.
• Examples:
  • Mini black and white boudoir sessions
  • Maternity boudoir
  • Fatherhood campaigns
  • Generations sessions at assisted living centers
• Each offer is developed from Danielle’s own experiences and connections with her clients:

  “Every one of these extra little shoots...relates to my clients because it relates to me.” (15:18, Danielle)

The "Generations" Senior Portrait Project (17:56–25:22)

• Inspired by personal experience losing an aging parent; emphasizes the importance of tangible legacy photos.
• Successfully pitched to assisted living facility directors for group senior portrait sessions—families purchase sessions for their loved ones.

  “It was really not about the money, but being able to make it to where I can make money as well is a win-win.” (18:01, Danielle)

• Partnership with facility staff is essential for a supportive environment.
• Emotional impact: Danielle describes crying on her drive home after her first session, recognizing the deep significance of these images.

Notable Quote:

“It was a lot of physical labor...and then it was a lot of emotional labor too, because you are giving these tender-hearted people your everything...That was probably the hardest but most meaningful thing I’ve ever done.” (20:16, Danielle)

Structuring Profitable Senior Sessions (22:08–25:22)

• Packages are pre-sold at affordable prices ($450 top package), with a minimum number of participating residents to make sessions viable.
• COVID-related lessons led Danielle to streamline offers (two digital-only packages, no more prints to avoid logistical headaches).

  “A confused mind says no.” (25:08, Nikki)

The Power of Personal Connection (29:09–31:51)

• Danielle serves returning clients with deep, authentic relationships; flexibility when life brings loss or change.
• Generosity and empathy in her policy—allowing clients to repurpose session credits for other significant moments.

  “Wherever you can connect with your client, that's going to be the most authentic and that's where you’re going to succeed.” (31:27, Danielle)

Business Model & Pricing for Sustainability (42:44–45:25)

• Session Fee: $875 (includes planning, hair & makeup, wardrobe access, $400 print credit).
• Collections: Start at $2,200 for 5 images (rarely chosen); the sweet spot is the $3,200 (12 images) and $4,500 (20 images) collections.
• Strategy: Shows more images at reveal (using Bridge via Zoom), increasing average sales.

  “Once you get a taste of clients who will pay what you’re asking for, you never want to go back.” (42:20, Danielle)

• Two shoots per week is her “fully booked” threshold.

Simple & Effective Product Offerings (49:00–50:09)

• Offers only one product: Folio boxes (from 3XM for complete packaging solutions).
• The key: build costs into pricing for ease and profitability.

Adapting the Business to Life’s Changes (50:37–51:46)

• Danielle is moving out of her permanent studio to use various spaces closer to her clients.
• Advocates for evolving business goals as circumstances and personal priorities shift:

  “Having your business fit your life is really...one of the biggest takeaways. My business isn't going to look like your business...just making it work for me, because that’s what matters.” (51:46, Danielle)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Transparency & Boundaries:

  “Not every client is my client and not every person who inquires with me is going to book with me because...I'm out of their price range. And you know what? That's okay.” (41:28, Danielle)

• On Client Experience:

  “My goal for my clients, whether they’re pregnant or not, is to take away those distractions...I want you to look at your pictures the way that the people who love you look at your pictures.” (37:09, Danielle)

• On Repeat Clients:

  “My clients are my social life right now, because I don’t have time for a real social life.” (40:13, Danielle)

Segment Timestamps

• Danielle’s Background/Getting Started: 03:16–06:12
• Portfolio-Building & Model Calls: 06:12–08:36
• Posing Confidence: 08:36–12:20
• Attracting Repeat Business: 14:26–15:09
• Generations Project Intro: 17:56
• Business Model for Assisted Living Shoots: 22:08–25:22
• Connecting With Clients/Heart Connection: 29:09–31:51
• Pricing Structure & Sales Process: 42:44–45:25
• Product Selection (Folio Boxes): 49:00–50:09
• Business Adaptation to Life Phases: 50:37–51:46

Lightning Round: Danielle’s Essentials (52:07–57:39)

• Must-Haves for a Shoot: Music and a hair fan:

  “If I don’t have music playing...I feel like I can’t breathe.” (52:23, Danielle)

• How She Spends Time Outside Work: HotWorks sauna sessions for unwinding and self-care.
• Photography Product Recommendation: Neewer’s wheeled tripod base for making heavy gear more mobile.
• Advice to Beginners:

  “Listen to your own heart and your own intuition and don’t be afraid to do things differently...Just make it work for you.” (57:39, Danielle)

Takeaways for Listeners

• Show the work you want to attract and clearly communicate your offers.
• Build a pricing and package structure that is both sustainable and true to your values.
• Develop ways for past clients to return through thoughtfully tailored offers.
• Passion projects can be both meaningful and profitable if structured with intention.
• Don’t be afraid to adapt your business to your evolving life and to center authentic, heart-to-heart connections in your work.

For more information or to connect with Danielle Jenkins, visit her website and view her "Generations" portfolio for inspiration on building powerful, legacy-driven projects.