The Portrait System Podcast: Master Photographer & Educator Scott Robert Lim Teaches Us His Secrets! (Re-Release)
Host: Nikki Klosser
Guest: Scott Robert Lim
Release Date: May 14, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Klosser sits down with Scott Robert Lim, a renowned photographer, speaker, and educator with over two decades of experience. Scott shares his extensive journey in the photography industry, his transition from wedding photography to education, and offers invaluable insights for photographers aspiring to elevate their craft and business.

Scott Robert Lim's Journey in Photography and Teaching

Scott begins by reflecting on his early days in photography, highlighting the challenges and opportunities he encountered while establishing himself in California's competitive market.

Scott Robert Lim [03:31]: "I started actually teaching in 2003 on, oh, so 20 years blog. Yeah. And so at the time, I wanted to really get into teaching, but of course, nobody's asking me, so I go, you know what? I'm gonna just start online."

He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-initiative in building a teaching platform, noting how his early adoption of online education set the foundation for his future success.

Transition from Wedding Photography to Educator

Scott delves into his transition from full-time wedding photography to becoming a dedicated educator. He recounts the moment he realized his passion for teaching and the strategic decisions that followed.

Scott Robert Lim [06:45]: "I honestly feel that the best educators are the ones who've had a full-time business for a while, not just like, oh, I made it for one year, now I'm going to start teaching."

He shares a pivotal conversation with his wife, where he expressed concerns about potential income loss due to shifting focus to teaching. Her support was instrumental in his decision to pursue education full-time.

Scott Robert Lim [14:23]: "I may lose about $80,000 next year... But she just wanted me sane, you know?"

This transition underscores the balance between professional passion and personal well-being, a theme that resonates throughout his career.

Balancing Business, Teaching, and Family

Scott provides an honest portrayal of the challenges in balancing a thriving photography business, an expanding teaching portfolio, and a committed family life. He discusses the compromises and time management strategies essential for maintaining this equilibrium.

Scott Robert Lim [16:21]: "I have two different hats going, you know."

He highlights the importance of efficiency and setting boundaries to ensure that both professional and personal aspects flourish without compromising each other.

Building a Teaching Career: Starting Small and Scaling Up

Scott outlines the strategic approach he took to build his teaching career, starting with smaller events and gradually moving to larger conferences. He emphasizes the significance of persistence and continuous self-improvement.

Scott Robert Lim [26:43]: "Don't count on that, actually, because it took me several years to crack the code and actually get in."

He advocates for creating personal events and leveraging these platforms to establish credibility, which eventually opens doors to larger speaking engagements. Scott also touches on the importance of developing a unique teaching style and building a sales funnel to attract and retain an audience.

Scott Robert Lim [22:10]: "Starting at that bottom... creating a sales funnel, basically."

Becoming a Sony Artisan and Brand Ambassador

Scott shares his experience in becoming a Sony Artisan, discussing the strategic decisions and networking efforts that led to this prestigious partnership.

Scott Robert Lim [30:03]: "Use what works and what I like, you know... I go with Sony."

He explains how aligning with Sony not only validated his expertise but also provided opportunities to influence product development and expand his professional network.

Scott Robert Lim [32:11]: "If you could say 20 years ago, Scott, you're gonna be helping design the cameras of today... It's incredible."

Scott underscores the value of brand partnerships in enhancing credibility and creating mutually beneficial relationships.

Effective Teaching and Presentation Tips

Scott offers practical advice on delivering engaging and impactful presentations. He emphasizes authenticity, passion, and the ability to simplify complex concepts as key elements of successful teaching.

Scott Robert Lim [37:59]: "The concept that you're teaching has to ring true to you and it has to be successful."

He also highlights the importance of rehearsing presentations extensively to ensure smooth delivery and the incorporation of humor and enthusiasm to keep the audience engaged.

Scott Robert Lim [39:38]: "If you can add some levity and just get people to laugh and enjoy life, that's huge."

Q&A: Personal Insights and Recommendations

In the final segment, Nikki poses several questions to Scott, eliciting personal preferences and further professional advice.

1. Essential Gear Beyond the Camera

   Scott Robert Lim [49:16]: "Definitely lighting... any type of lighting. And then also an apparatus to diffuse that lighting."

   Scott emphasizes the critical role of lighting in portrait photography and recommends specific brands like Stella Reflex and Godox for their reliability and performance.

2. Time Management Outside of Work

   Scott Robert Lim [50:29]: "It's basically all to my family... when I do come home, concentrate on my family."

   He prioritizes family time despite a demanding travel schedule, highlighting the importance of personal relationships alongside professional commitments.

3. Unique Product Recommendations

   Scott introduces the "cheetah stand," a versatile and efficient lighting stand that enhances mobility and functionality during shoots.

   Scott Robert Lim [51:34]: "I cannot leave home without that cheetah stand."

4. Advice for Beginners

   Scott advises newcomers to seek mentorship from experienced photographers who have proven success in their field.

   Scott Robert Lim [52:59]: "Get a mentor... who has made at least a half a million dollars profit. Not gross, but profit in their business."

   He stresses the value of learning from seasoned professionals to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate business growth.

Conclusion

Scott Robert Lim's insightful conversation on The Portrait System Podcast offers a roadmap for photographers aiming to transition into education while maintaining a successful business. His emphasis on mentorship, strategic networking, and authentic teaching practices provides a valuable blueprint for aspiring educators in the photography industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott Robert Lim [06:45]: "I honestly feel that the best educators are the ones who've had a full-time business for a while."
• Scott Robert Lim [14:23]: "I may lose about $80,000 next year... But she just wanted me sane."
• Scott Robert Lim [22:10]: "Starting at that bottom... creating a sales funnel, basically."
• Scott Robert Lim [37:59]: "The concept that you're teaching has to ring true to you and it has to be successful."
• Scott Robert Lim [39:38]: "If you can add some levity and just get people to laugh and enjoy life, that's huge."
• Scott Robert Lim [52:59]: "Get a mentor... who has made at least a half a million dollars profit."

This episode is a treasure trove for photographers aspiring to expand their horizons from capturing moments to shaping the next generation of artists. Scott's experiences and strategies provide actionable steps to navigate the complex landscape of photography education and business.