Podcast Summary: "This Can't Be That Hard" - Episode 324
Title: How to Offer Destination Photography Sessions with Kellie Llewellyn
Host: Annemie Tonken
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 324 of "This Can't Be That Hard," host Annemie Tonken engages in an insightful conversation with Kelly Llewellyn, the founder of Kelly Rochelle Photography. The episode delves into the nuances of offering destination photography sessions, specifically tailored for senior portraits. Kelly shares her journey, strategies, and invaluable tips for photographers looking to expand their services into the realm of destination shoots.
Guest Background
Kelly Llewellyn introduces herself as a seasoned photographer based in Williston, North Dakota. Balancing a bustling household with seven children, Kelly transitioned from a decade-long career as a hospital pharmacist to pursue her passion for photography eight years ago. This career shift allowed her to create a flexible schedule that accommodates her family's activities while doing what she loves.
Kelly Llewellyn: "The great thing about photography is you make your own schedule. Right. So I could work around the kids' activities and still do something I love." [03:04]
Starting Destination Photography Sessions
Kelly recounts how her foray into destination sessions began when her daughter entered her senior year. Inspired by her love for travel, Kelly organized a four-day trip with her daughter and her friends to scenic locations like San Diego, Joshua Tree, and the sand dunes. This initial venture served as a pilot to test the feasibility and appeal of such sessions.
Kelly Llewellyn: "The experience was amazing. The girls loved it, and we had a great time." [04:55]
Logistics and Planning
Transitioning from personal trips to offering destination sessions to clients involves meticulous planning. Kelly emphasizes the importance of having a solid itinerary, which includes:
- Pre-Trip Scouting: Visiting locations in advance to understand lighting and potential challenges.
- Client Communication: Setting clear expectations about possible delays, weather contingencies, and the overall experience.
- Detailed Templates: Maintaining a comprehensive plan that covers flights, accommodations, transportation, daily schedules, and outfit changes.
Kelly Llewellyn: "Having a solid plan before you go... makes you feel better, right? Makes them feel like, yeah, you know what you're doing." [07:20]
Pricing Strategies
Pricing destination sessions requires balancing profitability with attractiveness to clients. Kelly outlines her approach:
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Package Structuring: Offering multiple packages ensures clients can choose options that suit their needs while enabling Kelly to cover costs. Initially, she offered packages where clients selected higher-tier options, ensuring break-even until the business gained traction.
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Cost Inclusion: Eventually, Kelly incorporated travel costs into her packages to present a more seamless and appealing offering to clients.
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Shared Costs: Promoting sessions for multiple seniors or families can help split travel expenses, making the sessions more affordable and enticing.
Kelly Llewellyn: "I have four packages, and I made sure they picked the top two, which are high enough to where I would at least break even." [08:00]
Marketing Destination Sessions
Effective marketing is crucial to the success of destination sessions. Kelly shares her strategies:
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Content Creation: Posting behind-the-scenes footage, location teasers, and engaging content on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to build anticipation.
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Client Involvement: Encouraging clients to participate in polls or discussions about potential locations increases engagement and investment in the process.
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Word of Mouth: Satisfied clients sharing their experiences further amplifies reach and attracts new clients organically.
Kelly Llewellyn: "I just put as much behind the scenes and maybe like, I'm thinking of three locations. I'll put all three out there and put it on a poll." [23:42]
Contracts and Legal Considerations
Kelly underscores the importance of having a robust contract when offering destination sessions. Key elements include:
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Payment Terms: Requiring a deposit (preferably half of the total cost) to secure bookings and establish commitment.
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Cancellation Policies: Clearly outlining penalties for last-minute cancellations to protect against unforeseen changes.
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Additional Fees: Specifying potential extra costs, such as park permits or entrance fees, to avoid surprises for clients.
Kelly Llewellyn: "I ask to have half of it down when they book it... And then the balance has to be paid at least a month before we go." [28:50]
Additionally, Kelly recommends consulting with a lawyer to ensure contracts are comprehensive and legally sound.
Impact on Business and Creativity
Engaging in destination photography sessions has a dual impact on Kelly's business:
- Creativity Boost: Shooting in varied and often new locations keeps Kelly's portfolio fresh and her creative juices flowing, preventing the monotony of shooting the same spots repeatedly.
Kelly Llewellyn: "When you're home, you shoot a lot at the same locations... But when you're in a travel session, you're kind of winging it in a way." [21:05]
- Business Growth: Although initially not highly profitable, Kelly anticipates that destination sessions will become a significant revenue stream, providing financial sustainability beyond covering travel costs.
Kelly Llewellyn: "This is year three where it'll be not just breaking even, but like making an actual profit." [22:40]
Final Advice and Tips
Kelly imparts several key takeaways for photographers considering destination sessions:
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Start with Friends: Launching destination sessions with friends or acquaintances can ease the initial challenges and build confidence.
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Emphasize the Experience: Positioning the session as a memorable trip rather than just a photo shoot can make it more appealing and justify the higher price point.
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Learn from Experience: Early ventures may not be highly profitable, but they provide valuable lessons and build the necessary experience for future success.
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Maintain Work-Family Balance: Integrating family into travel sessions can enhance personal experiences and prevent feelings of isolation during work trips.
Kelly Llewellyn: "The contract part was what I think was the biggest piece that I wish I would have known from the beginning." [32:09]
Conclusion
Annemie Tonken wraps up the episode by highlighting the enriching conversation with Kelly Llewellyn. Kelly's insights offer a comprehensive guide for photographers aiming to venture into destination sessions, emphasizing the blend of creativity, strategic planning, and business acumen required for success.
Connect with Kelly Llewellyn:
- Website: KellyRochelle.com
- Instagram: @KellyRochellePhotography
- Facebook: Kelly Rochelle Photography
- Pinterest: Kelly Rochelle Photography
This episode is a must-listen for photographers aspiring to elevate their business by offering unique, memorable, and professionally executed destination photography sessions. Kelly's authentic experiences and practical advice provide a roadmap to navigating the challenges and reaping the rewards of this specialized photography niche.