Working on the business not just in the business
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
Release Date: 11/05/2024
The client experience that creates repeat clients
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
Client experience is one of those phrases that sounds good… but often gets oversimplified. In this episode, Amanda challenges the idea that client experience is just about how someone feels on the shoot day. Instead, she explores what really creates confidence, trust, and long-term loyalty; from the very first touchpoint, right through to delivery and beyond. You’ll hear why repeat clients aren’t built through over-delivery, flashy PDFs, or saying yes to everything but through clarity, consistency, and leadership. Amanda shares reflections from over a decade in the industry, including...
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Unsexy but Confident Pricing
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
At the start of a new year, pricing has a funny way of bringing up a quiet wobble. You might have already updated your prices. You might have hit publish on your shiny new price list. And yet… the moment that first enquiry lands, or someone replies with “I’ll think about it”, everything suddenly feels a lot louder. In this episode, I’m talking about pricing confidence, not from a “just charge more” or push-through-the-fear angle, but from a calm, grounded place. We’re exploring why charging your prices can feel uncomfortable even when you know they’re right, why moving...
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An Honest Catch Up
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
This episode isn’t a highlight reel. After a long pause from the podcast, I’m back with an honest, reflective conversation about what this year has really been like behind the scenes; the growth, the pressure, the things that quietly unravelled, and the lessons that only come when you stop pretending everything’s fine. In this episode, I share what happens when success comes faster than sustainability, why “fully booked” doesn’t always mean healthy, and how fear can subtly drive decisions long after you think you’ve outgrown it. I talk about the moments that forced me to step...
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Don't be a busy fool!
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
After an unplanned break from the mic, I’m back on The Brand Photographer’s Lounge, and I’m keeping it real about why I pressed pause. In this episode, I open up about what pulled me away, the mindset hurdles that crept in, and the small but powerful shifts I’m making to bring more structure (and joy) back into my business. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the busy cycle of client work, or caught yourself making excuses that keep you from doing the things you actually love, this one will resonate. Join me as I share the lessons I’ve learned, what’s changing behind the scenes, and how...
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Those 3am Ideas Are Often The Best
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
In this episode of The Brand Photographer’s Lounge, Amanda shares the unexpected, middle-of-the-night idea that turned into one of her most successful offers to date. From shifting the way she approaches mini shoots to launching an annual pass that sold out in just two weeks, Amanda dives into the data-driven thinking, client behaviour insights, and timing strategy that made it all work. Whether you offer mini shoots or are just looking for smarter ways to package your services, this episode is packed with practical takeaways - and a big dose of inspiration for trusting your gut. ...
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Embracing Video In Your Business with Vikki Hutton
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
Thinking about adding video to your photography services - but feeling overwhelmed by the tech, the editing, or just where to start? In this episode, Amanda chats with Vikki from Featured, an award-winning videographer and course creator, about breaking into video as a photographer. They explore what’s really holding people back, how the industry is evolving, and why now might be the perfect time to expand your skillset. If you’ve ever wondered whether video is worth the investment (spoiler: it just might be!), this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to take the next...
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When images and words come together with Chantelle Davison
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
In this episode of The Brand Photographer’s Lounge, Amanda is joined by her long-time friend, copywriter, client and fellow storytelling enthusiast, Chantelle Davison. From rabbit holes about wax seals to the power of vulnerability in content, this conversation unpacks why storytelling matters more than ever—for your copy, your photos, and your connection with clients. Chantelle shares her journey into copywriting, the fears business owners face when outsourcing their words, and why the most “mundane” stories are often the most powerful. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have a...
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The Art of Storytelling with Arif Isikgun
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
In this episode of The Brand Photographer’s Lounge, Amanda is joined by Arif from AI Beauty Consulting, a master of romantic storytelling in sales. They dive deep into how emotional storytelling transforms the way we connect with clients, craft our marketing, and ultimately grow our businesses. From luxury perfume tales to heartfelt brand journeys, Arif shares how vulnerability, connection, and intentional storytelling can elevate your brand and lead to greater client loyalty and conversions. Plus, discover how photographers can draw out stories from clients and themselves to create...
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The Power of PR with Nicola Rowley
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
What if the key to getting noticed by the media wasn’t just about having great visuals, but about telling the right story? In this episode, I sit down with PR expert (and former photographer!) Nicola Rowley to dive into how photographers and business owners can use storytelling to land features, build credibility, and get seen in all the right places. We discuss the essential elements that make an image media-friendly, why some branding photos never make the cut, and how photographers can position themselves (and their clients) for press success. Plus, Nicola shares her own unexpected career...
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Passive Income for Photographers with Lisa Johnson
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
What if you could make more money while working fewer hours? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Lisa Johnson—business strategist and the "Queen of Passive Income"—to talk about the game-changing power of recurring revenue. Lisa shares her journey from wedding planner to building a multi-million-pound business, the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when trying to create passive income, and why every photographer (yes, even you!) should be thinking beyond trading time for money. We also get real about the mindset blocks that hold creatives back from scaling, the unexpected ways...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Brand Photographer’s Lounge, we dive deep into what it truly means to work on your business rather than just in it. As creatives, it’s easy to get wrapped up in client projects, editing, and day-to-day tasks, but carving out time for strategic planning is essential for growth, avoiding burnout, and setting a foundation for long-term success.
Amanda shares her tried-and-true methods, like dedicated CEO days, marketing days, and even seasonal downtime in December to recalibrate, set new goals, and refocus. Plus, she offers practical tips on accountability, tracking progress, and the importance of celebrating every win—big or small. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights to help you shift from hustling to thriving in your business. Tune in to discover how a few mindful adjustments can propel your brand to the next level!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and episode focus on working on the business vs. in the business.
00:30 - Importance of CEO days for strategic planning and avoiding burnout.
02:00 - Quarterly review with a business buddy: reviewing goals, client feedback, and financials.
04:00 - Setting monthly marketing days for planning and scheduling consistent content.
05:30 - Weekly financial check-in to stay on top of receipts and invoices.
07:00 - December downtime for year-end reflection, system improvements, and projects.
09:00 - Starting small with “on the business” work, treating tasks as appointments.
11:00 - Accountability and progress tracking with partners.
12:30 - Celebrating wins and sharing achievements with peers.
14:00 - Final thoughts and call to action: share business tips, leave reviews, and join the next episode.