The Business of Babies with Erin Elizabeth Hoskins

In this episode, Erin from Erin Elizabeth Photography, hits us up with some hard truths about running a profitable photography business, that makes enough money to warrant her taking time away from her family.

1. Figure out what you need to be a profitable photography business (4:35)

Once you realize everything that needs to be deducted from your session fee (expenses, taxes, overheads, etc.), it can come as a shock that you may actually be paying your client to work for them.

2. How to raise your prices to be profitable (6:40)

Charging more is just one way to raise your prices, but certainly not the only way to become more profitable. Rearranging what you offer in your different packages is another smart strategy.

3. Communicate with clients to ensure no confusion about expectations and prices (12:06)

It is important to have some transparency on your website about pricing. You don’t need to list all your prices, but a price range and/or starting prices will qualify your leads. Then asking them to get in touch for the full price list opens up the lines of communication for them to discover more about your and your services, beyond just a price.

4. Advice to save money by setting and sticking to a prop budget (18:32)

A good rule is to only buy props that will actually bring people to you and generate business. A few quality items, especially gender-neutral ones, is all you need.

5. How does a “shoot to sell” mindset work? (23:59)

When you pay attention to what clients buy, and then create a posing list based on that, you become more productive and can actually shorten your sessions considerably.

6. Getting better at the business side of photography (27:33)

Take advantage of all the business-related groups on social media. Use them to learn about different sales models, productivity, profitability, etc.

7. How to see your own value as a creative individual (29:10)

Photographers often think that “I’m not worth it”. What they don’t realize is that it is not your decision – it is a client’s decision whether you are worth it.

8. Erin’s biggest business lesson learnt over the years (35:56)

Work/life balance is the most challenging to maintain, but also the most rewarding.

This no-nonsense approach to business has helped Erin run a profitable business for more than a decade. Now it is time for you to clean up your mindset, and run your business to its full potential.

Discover more about Erin Elizabeth Hoskins

Website: www.erinelizabeth.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/erinelizabeth.com.au
Instagram: @erin_elizabeth_photography

Bio: Voted the number one family photographer in the world in 2017, and one of the world’s most recognized newborn photographers and photography educators, Erin Elizabeth is a major industry leader and one of Australia’s best newborn, maternity and family photographers.

She has taught thousands of photographers from around the globe and featured as a keynote speaker and presenter at dozens of photography conferences on six continents.

Her images have been featured on Good Morning America, People Magazine, Huffington Post, and newspapers and magazines in all corners of the earth.

Resources shared in this episode:

2020 {online} Newborn Retreat