#243: From Digital Burnout to Boutique Breakthrough: How Gia Chong Turned Two Clients into $3,254 in One Attempt

Feeling burned out or stuck in your photography business? One thing can change your work, your profits, and your life (and it might not be what you expect…)   On this week’s Joycast, I’m chatting with a Stockton, California photographer who went from shooting 120 sessions a year to embracing a boutique business model that brought her more time, joy, and income than ever!   Here’s a little of what we’ll cover:   Why high-volume sessions might be holding you back from real profits The biggest mindset hurdle photographers face when raising prices How to transition clients to a boutique model (without losing them!) The power of finding the right clients who value your work Plus: Stories of clients who happily paid 3x more than before How to let go of fear and embrace your worth Practical tips to reclaim your time and create a business you love If you’re ready to stop chasing endless sessions and start building a profitable, sustainable photography business, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice to get you there. RESOURCES: WORTH EVERY PENNY JOYCAST SHOW NOTES: https://photographybusinessinstitute.com/podcast/episode-243 SHOW TRANSCRIPT:  Click Here BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.joyofmarketing.com/boutiquebreakthrough INSTAGRAM – DM me “Conversation Starters” for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty  FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.joyofmarketing.com/freebook  FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals  YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thejoyofmarketing  LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756 #201 - How a Florida Educator Transformed Her Photography from Dabbling to $3,200 Orders:  Turning Her Back Burner Hobby into Real Money

Have you ever sat at your desk late at night, exhausted from editing photos, you peek at your neverending to-do list and wonder why all this hard work doesn’t add up to more joy or money?   On this week's Joycast, I share something that’s helped so many of my students save money and make their photography businesses feel easier to manage.   The secret? Tax deductions. I know, I know. Tax stuff might sound boring, but trust me, it’s a lifesaver once you get it. I’ll explain::   What tax write-offs really mean (it’s not as confusing as it sounds!) How to put savings back into your business to make life a little easier Simple, real-life examples of how this works so it all makes sense   Imagine writing off the gear you’ve been eyeing, saving money on things you’re already paying for, and feeling less stressed about your finances! Grab a cup of coffee (or wine), settle in, and let’s chat about how to make your money work for you in your photography business. RESOURCES: WORTH EVERY PENNY JOYCAST SHOW NOTES: https://photographybusinessinstitute.com/podcast/episode-242 SHOW TRANSCRIPT:  Click Here BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.joyofmarketing.com/boutiquebreakthrough INSTAGRAM – DM me “Conversation Starters” for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty  FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.joyofmarketing.com/freebook  FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals  YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thejoyofmarketing  LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756 #201 - How a Florida Educator Transformed Her Photography from Dabbling to $3,200 Orders:  Turning Her Back Burner Hobby into Real Money

Feeling a little stuck or frustrated with your photography business? There’s one simple mindset shift that can make all the difference (and it’s something the happiest photographers I know do all the time.)   In this week’s Joycast, I’m sharing a lesson that changed my life, both as a mom of athletes and as a photography coach. I’ll show you how to stop getting caught up in comparison and start finding more joy in the day-to-day of building your business.   Here’s a little of what we’ll cover: Why learning to love the process matters just as much as reaching your goals How to stay motivated, even when you’re not “crushing it” The small habits happy photographers lean on to keep growing Practical ways to bring more joy (and profit!) into your business   Plus: Stories of photographers who turned obstacles into triumphs A peek into a key coaching program and its $23M success story Inspiration to stop dabbling and start seeing results   If you’ve ever wondered how to build a business you love (while loving the journey to get there) this episode is full of inspiration and encouragement to keep you moving forward. RESOURCES: WORTH EVERY PENNY JOYCAST SHOW NOTES: https://photographybusinessinstitute.com/podcast/episode-241 SHOW TRANSCRIPT:  Click Here BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.joyofmarketing.com/boutiquebreakthrough INSTAGRAM – DM me “Conversation Starters” for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty  FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.joyofmarketing.com/freebook  FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals  YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thejoyofmarketing  LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756 #201 - How a Florida Educator Transformed Her Photography from Dabbling to $3,200 Orders:  Turning Her Back Burner Hobby into Real Money

Turning a passion into a profitable business isn’t always easy, especially when you’re juggling challenges. But what happens when you finally find the key to making it all work?   In this week’s Joycast, we’re sharing the incredible story of Lisa Deaton, a Cincinnati-based photographer who spent decades experimenting with her craft before booking her first $1,120 “Julie.” Lisa shares how she shifted from a hobbyist mindset to building a sustainable business, all while navigating the challenges of being a military spouse.   Here's a sneak peek: The pivotal moment that changed everything for Lisa’s photography business How to shift from a “just for fun” approach to running a profitable business Secrets to guiding clients through the ordering process with confidence The mindset changes that helped Lisa turn her passion into a steady income   Plus: Real-life lessons Lisa learned while creating her photography business Practical advice for photographers who want to level up their client experience A dose of inspiration for anyone on the journey of turning their dreams into reality   If you’ve ever wondered how to make your creative passion a reliable source of income, this episode is packed with tips, lessons, and encouragement to help you get there. RESOURCES: WORTH EVERY PENNY JOYCAST SHOW NOTES: https://photographybusinessinstitute.com/podcast/episode-240 SHOW TRANSCRIPT:  Click Here BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.joyofmarketing.com/boutiquebreakthrough INSTAGRAM – DM me “Conversation Starters” for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty  FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.joyofmarketing.com/freebook  FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals  YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thejoyofmarketing  LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756 #201 - How a Florida Educator Transformed Her Photography from Dabbling to $3,200 Orders:  Turning Her Back Burner Hobby into Real Money

Being a solo photographer can feel like you’re wearing all the hats: juggling gear, lighting, and making sure your clients feel comfortable. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and even forget a few things.   In this week’s Joycast, I’m sharing my favorite tips for photographers who are doing it all on their own. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been running your business for years, this episode is packed with tips to help you feel more confident and supported during your sessions.   Here's a sneak peek:   How to turn clients into joyful “helpers” without feeling weird about asking Easy ways to use reflectors when you don’t have an assistant (yes, even outside!) Tips for creating a fun, relaxed vibe during your sessions—no stress allowed! The secret to managing emotions and energy so you get those magical shots   Plus: Real stories from my early days when I was doing it all on my own (sound familiar?) Simple tricks to lighten your load and make your clients love their experience   If you’ve ever felt the pressure of running a photography session solo, this episode is like a warm hug and a pep talk all in one. You don’t have to do it perfectly, you just have to make it joyful. RESOURCES: WORTH EVERY PENNY JOYCAST SHOW NOTES: https://photographybusinessinstitute.com/podcast/episode-239 SHOW TRANSCRIPT:  Click Here BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.joyofmarketing.com/boutiquebreakthrough INSTAGRAM – DM me “Conversation Starters” for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty  FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.joyofmarketing.com/freebook  FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals  YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thejoyofmarketing  LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756 #201 - How a Florida Educator Transformed Her Photography from Dabbling to $3,200 Orders:  Turning Her Back Burner Hobby into Real Money

After years of struggling with low-paying clients and working long hours, Amy Marlin made a remarkable change: earning six figures in under a year by shifting her approach to her photography business.   In this week’s Joycast, we’re talking about the “cost of inaction” and how it may be holding you back from reaching your full potential. This episode will help you uncover hidden ways to reclaim your time, boost your income, and bring more joy to your life.   Join us as we discuss: What the “catch-22 business” trap is and how to escape it The importance of valuing your time and charging what you’re worth How small changes—like pre-session consultations—can lead to big results Why a simple sales system can save time while improving client relationships Plus: Real-life examples of photographers who turned their side hustle into thriving businesses How to create a photography business that supports your family instead of stealing time from them If you’re ready to work smarter (not harder) and finally build a profitable photography business that works for you, this episode is the push you need! RESOURCES: WORTH EVERY PENNY JOYCAST SHOW NOTES: https://photographybusinessinstitute.com/podcast/episode-238 SHOW TRANSCRIPT:  Click Here BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.joyofmarketing.com/boutiquebreakthrough INSTAGRAM – DM me “Conversation Starters” for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty  FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.joyofmarketing.com/freebook  FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals  YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thejoyofmarketing  LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756 #201 - How a Florida Educator Transformed Her Photography from Dabbling to $3,200 Orders:  Turning Her Back Burner Hobby into Real Money

After 12 years of chasing $700 orders, Claudia made an astonishing turn around...Booking multiple $2,000+ sales and topping $30,000 in a single month.   In this week's Joycast, we’re chatting with Claudia Powell. Her story shows how big a difference in the right approach can make, especially when you’re in a specialized niche like equine photography.   Join us as we talk about: The moment Claudia realized that raising her prices could actually help her clients How pre-session consultations changed her business (and her client relationships) What happened when she shifted away from the digital-only mindset Why a simple sales system made even Zoom ordering sessions feel easy, personal, and stress-free   Plus, Claudia shares: Why letting go of “sticker shock” was the best decision she ever made How she started seeing her services as an experience, not just a photo package   If you’re looking for a way to bring more joy and profit to your business, Claudia’s story might be just the push you need. RESOURCES: WORTH EVERY PENNY JOYCAST SHOW NOTES: https://photographybusinessinstitute.com/podcast/episode-237 SHOW TRANSCRIPT:  Click Here BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.joyofmarketing.com/boutiquebreakthrough INSTAGRAM – DM me “Conversation Starters” for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty  FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.joyofmarketing.com/freebook  FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals  YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thejoyofmarketing  LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756 #201 - How a Florida Educator Transformed Her Photography from Dabbling to $3,200 Orders:  Turning Her Back Burner Hobby into Real Money

Are you struggling to stand out in a crowded photography market?In this week's Joycast, I'm discussing a crucial strategy that helped me build a profitable photography business over the last 26 years. I’ll share how creating custom holiday cards turned my passion into a client magnet and kept my photography studio at the forefront of people’s minds all year long.Join me for: The surprising power of holiday cards to generate referrals and client loyalty Why one client carried my Christmas card for months Tips for designing a holiday card that’s irresistible and memorable Strategies to make your card feel personal and impactful, creating lifelong clients You'll also learn about: The value of investing time and creativity in high-quality printed pieces Why a simple holiday card can differentiate you from amateur photographers How to stay top of mind with clients in a genuine, non-intrusive way Ready to make this holiday season your most profitable yet?Get inspired and start planning your unique holiday card with me. And if you're interested in a free masterclass where I break down this strategy in detail, send me a DM on Instagram! (@Sarah Petty)RESOURCES: Worth Every Penny Joycast Show Notes: [LINK] Show Transcript: Click HereJoin our free Facebook community at “We Are Portrait Photographers” for more inspiration and support. RESOURCES: WORTH EVERY PENNY JOYCAST SHOW NOTES: https://photographybusinessinstitute.com/podcast/episode-236 SHOW TRANSCRIPT:  Click Here BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.joyofmarketing.com/boutiquebreakthrough INSTAGRAM – DM me “Conversation Starters” for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty  FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.joyofmarketing.com/freebook  FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals  YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thejoyofmarketing  LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756 #201 - How a Florida Educator Transformed Her Photography from Dabbling to $3,200 Orders:  Turning Her Back Burner Hobby into Real Money

Feeling like the photography world is overcrowded? With over 114,000 photographers in the U.S. alone, it’s easy to think the market is too saturated to stand out. But what if I told you that more competition can actually help your business? In this week's Joycast, I’m sharing a fresh perspective on competition, inspired by my days in advertising and the bustling Diamond District in New York City. You’ll learn: - Why competition can actually attract more clients in photography - How most photographers are hiding and why that’s your opportunity to shine - The key to setting yourself apart and standing out in a crowded market If you’ve been struggling to book clients and wondering if there are just too many photographers out there, hit play and discover how to flip the script and make competition work for you, not against you. RESOURCES: WORTH EVERY PENNY JOYCAST SHOW NOTES: https://photographybusinessinstitute.com/podcast/episode-235 SHOW TRANSCRIPT:  Click Here BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.joyofmarketing.com/boutiquebreakthrough INSTAGRAM – DM me “Conversation Starters” for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty  FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.joyofmarketing.com/freebook  FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals  YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thejoyofmarketing  LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756 #201 - How a Florida Educator Transformed Her Photography from Dabbling to $3,200 Orders:  Turning Her Back Burner Hobby into Real Money

If you’ve ever felt unhappy with the way your photography business is working, this week's Joycast is for you.I’m joined by Jess Curren, a mom of three who paused her photography business to travel with her family in an Airstream for five years before relaunching her passion. Jess opens up about: Restarting her photography business and quickly realizing the digital file model wasn’t for her Reinventing herself as a boutique portrait photographer and making $22,000 in a short period Balancing family life with running a successful photography business The importance of trusting your gut and knowing when to pivot If you're looking for inspiration on RESOURCES: WORTH EVERY PENNY JOYCAST SHOW NOTES: https://photographybusinessinstitute.com/podcast/episode-234 SHOW TRANSCRIPT:  Click Here BOUTIQUE BREAKTHROUGH – 8-WEEK WORKSHOP www.joyofmarketing.com/boutiquebreakthrough INSTAGRAM – DM me “Conversation Starters” for some genuine ways to strike up a conversation about your photography business wherever you are. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.petty  FREE COPY: NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS www.joyofmarketing.com/freebook  FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: Join and get my free mini-class: How I earned $1,500 per client working 16 hours a week by becoming a boutique photographer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ditchthedigitals  YOUTUBE: Check out my latest how to videos:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thejoyofmarketing  LOVE THE SHOW? Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worth-every-penny-joycast/id1513676756 #201 - How a Florida Educator Transformed Her Photography from Dabbling to $3,200 Orders:  Turning Her Back Burner Hobby into Real Money