Podcast Summary: "My 1st $1000 Sale (Re-Release)" on The Portrait System Podcast
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Portrait System Podcast
- Host/Author: Sue Bryce Education (Host: Nikki Closser)
- Description: Hosted by Nikki Closser, this podcast features interviews with successful portrait photographers worldwide who utilize the Sue Bryce Education business model. The aim is to share stories that expedite listeners' success and transform them as photographers and business owners.
- Episode: My 1st $1000 Sale (Re-Release)
- Release Date: November 30, 2024
Episode Overview:
In the re-released episode titled "My 1st $1000 Sale," host Nikki Closser explores the transformative experiences of various photographers who achieved their first significant sale of $1,000 or more using the Sue Bryce Education business model. This episode compiles heartfelt and inspiring stories that highlight the challenges, breakthroughs, and triumphs these photographers faced on their journey to financial confidence and business growth.
Key Sections & Highlights:
1. Introduction
Nikki Closser sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of the first $1,000 sale in boosting a photographer's confidence and validating their business model. She shares her personal experience of making her first big sale, which propelled her to secure her first studio and believe in her business growth.
Notable Quote:
"Once photographers can really get that first great portrait sale, it's such a boost of confidence and it really just gives you the proof that you need that you can do this."
— Nikki Closser [00:02]
2. Allie Serrano - Tampa, Florida
Studio: Allie Serrano Portraits
First Sale: $4,500
Allie discusses her journey to her first major sale, which came two years into her business. A referral from a chapter member led her to a client wanting portraits before retirement. Despite initial hesitations and delays, Allie's client purchased her top package, significantly boosting her confidence and establishing her business sustainability.
Notable Quote:
"I was totally shocked. I know she is not a rich woman by any means... She tapped into her savings to be able to get this portrait for her."
— Allie Serrano [02:30]
3. Lizbeth McEwen - Woodbridge, Virginia
Studio: Liz Marie Portraits
First Sale: $1,800
Lizbeth recounts her first $1,800 sale from a family shoot that involved a printed reveal. Nervous about client expectations, she was pleasantly surprised when the family bought all the printed images, leading her to continue offering printed reveals that consistently result in high-value sales.
Notable Quote:
"They decided to take them all. It was my first big sale, and it gave me enough confidence to actually get my first studio."
— Lizbeth McEwen [04:15]
4. Oksana Kami - Chicago Suburbs
Studio: Oksana Kami Portraits
First Sale: $2,850
Transitioning from shoot-and-burn and wedding photography to portraiture, Oksana achieved her first sale by applying Sue Bryce's teachings. Her client’s emotional reaction during the reveal affirmed her decision to focus on portrait photography, marking a significant shift in her career path.
Notable Quote:
"When she came back to see her portraits, she cried. It was such a special feeling that I, at that moment, understood this is really something I want to continue doing."
— Oksana Kami [05:20]
5. Jema Finney - Louisville, Kentucky
Studio: Jema Finney Photography
First Sale: $1,000+
Jema highlights her first substantial sale during a personal branding shoot that included unique elements like a fancy chicken. Her dedication to fulfilling the client's vision resulted in a successful $1,000+ sale, demonstrating the importance of creativity and client-focused service.
Notable Quote:
"Everything felt good and it clicked in and we got the look and the feel and the locations came together."
— Jema Finney [07:45]
6. Danielle Jenkins - Dallas, Texas
Studio: Danielle Nicole Portraits
First Sale: $3,000+
Danielle shares her emotional journey from a side hustle to full-time photography after her previous business collapsed. Attending Portrait Masters in 2018 was the catalyst that helped her open a studio and secure her first $3,000 sale, which validated her business model and boosted her confidence.
Notable Quote:
"Once I had that first sale, it was, it was a done deal for me."
— Danielle Jenkins [09:15]
7. Rosa Sampolinska - Amosbury, Massachusetts
Studio: Rosa Sampolinska Photography
First Sale: $3,000
Rosa describes her transition to an in-person sales model and the meticulous preparation that led to her first $3,000 sale. By adopting Sue Bryce’s pricing without modifications and creating a visually appealing studio, Rosa successfully executed her first major sale.
Notable Quote:
"I shut up. After about 10 seconds, the mother turned around, she said, we love all of them. And she took out her card."
— Rosa Sampolinska [10:50]
8. Kelly Norcia - Clinton, Connecticut
Studio: Kelly Norcia Photography
First Sale: $4,000+
Kelly recounts her first $4,000 sale from photographing a family of ballet-dancing teenagers. This monumental sale surpassed her monthly earnings from her previous teaching job, showcasing the financial potential of professional portrait photography.
Notable Quote:
"Sue has really taught me self value and the value that I'm giving to others."
— Kelly Norcia [12:30]
9. Lori Cloutier - Schaumburg, Ontario, Canada
Studio: Ordinary Moments Photography
First Sale: $1,300+
Lori achieved her first $1,300 sale through a portfolio shoot that led to repeat business. By offering value and honoring her initial pricing strategy, Lori established a strong client relationship that continues to benefit her business.
Notable Quote:
"She bought my top package without even negotiating."
— Lori Cloutier [13:40]
10. Brooke Bailey - Chicago, Illinois
Studio: Brooke Amber Photography
First Sale: $2,062.50
Brooke details her shift to a sustainable pricing model, culminating in a $2,062.50 sale from a personal branding session with an opera singer. This success reinforced the effectiveness of the Sue Bryce Education business model and boosted Brooke's confidence in her pricing strategies.
Notable Quote:
"This photo shoot was a game changer for me. It taught me that the IPS business model does work."
— Brooke Bailey [14:35]
11. Pauline Sewer - Near Strasbourg, France
Studio: Pauline Studio
First Sale: €2,800
Pauline shares her first $2,800 sale achieved by making a client feel beautiful and confident. Despite initial skepticism, her ability to connect with the client and deliver stunning portraits led to significant sales and repeat business.
Notable Quote:
"I made her feel beautiful and confident and she wasn't planning to spend that much money with me, but she loved the picture so much, she bought a few extra to give to her three children."
— Pauline Sewer [15:10]
12. Emily Drew - Pleasant Grove, Utah
Studio: Emily Pearl Photography
First Sale: $1,200
Emily discusses her first $1,200 sale from a boudoir shoot, emphasizing the emotional impact her work had on her client. This sale not only validated her new pricing strategy but also reinforced the importance of making clients feel empowered and beautiful.
Notable Quote:
"You helped me see that I am pretty, desirable and worthy."
— Emily Drew [16:05]
13. Johnna Marcus - Santa Cruz, California
Studio: Jonna Marcus Photography
First Sale: $2,700
Johnna recounts her first $2,700 sale through a reveal session with an older client. Despite uncertainties in her pricing at the time, following Sue’s script and presenting high-quality images led to a successful sale, encouraging her to stabilize her pricing model.
Notable Quote:
"I was super nervous when the lady came back for her reveal... and she bought all of them."
— Jonna Marcus [17:20]
14. Kate Styles - Richmond, Virginia
Studio: Kate Styles Photography
First Sale: $1,250
Kate shares her first $1,250 sale from a boudoir session with a client celebrating significant personal milestones. Incorporating personal heirlooms into the shoot created a deeply emotional and successful experience, leading to multiple sales.
Notable Quote:
"They bought twelve hundred and fifty dollars worth. That was the first time I had ever sold over $600."
— Kate Styles [18:05]
15. Shara York - Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Studio: My Beauty Photography
First Sale: $3,000
Shara highlights her first $3,000 sale in a small Canadian city, showcasing that Sue Bryce’s business model is effective regardless of location or socioeconomic factors. Her success story emphasizes the universal applicability of the system.
Notable Quote:
"It was Sue's formula, and she said it was doable, and immediately was doable."
— Shara York [19:00]
16. Crystal - Atlanta, Georgia
Studio: Lovebird Photography
First Sale: $1,000
Crystal describes her first $1,000 sale from a 40th birthday photo session. Despite initial fears about pricing, her client’s appreciation of the photos led to a confident sale, reinforcing the value of high-quality portraiture.
Notable Quote:
"If they value what you are offering then they'll pay for it."
— Crystal [20:00]
Conclusion
Nikki Closser wraps up the episode by celebrating the photographers' successes and reinforcing the effectiveness of the Sue Bryce Education business model. She emphasizes the importance of confidence, proper pricing, quality service, and the transformative impact of securing that pivotal first substantial sale. The collective experiences showcased in this episode serve as a testament to the potential for growth and financial success within the portrait photography industry when leveraging the right strategies and support systems.
Host’s Closing Remarks:
"You can get there I promise. Just like I said last week, we love when other people are successful and that is something we want everyone to achieve and you can do this."
— Nikki Closser [21:30]
Additional Resources:
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Subscribe & Join: Listeners are encouraged to sign up at theportraitsystem.com to join the email list, receive free resources like the "Posing 101 PDF," and stay informed about deals and upcoming events.
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Educational Content: Sue Bryce Education offers over 1,000 on-demand educational videos covering various aspects of photography, including posing, lighting, styling, retouching, marketing, sales, business, and self-value.
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Special Offer: Current listeners can use the promo code PODCAST50 at theportraitsystem.com to receive 50% off membership, gaining access to a vast array of resources to build a successful photography business.
Final Thoughts:
This episode serves as an inspirational guide for photographers aiming to achieve their first significant sale and grow their business. Through the shared stories, listeners gain valuable insights into overcoming fears, implementing effective pricing strategies, and delivering exceptional client experiences that lead to financial success and personal fulfillment.
Thank you for listening to The Portrait System Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a 5-star review wherever you listen to support our mission to empower photographers worldwide.