I Let Down a Client - Learning from the Unexpected
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
Release Date: 02/18/2025
Why you need a signature style
The Brand Photographer's Lounge
So many photographers feel pressure to niche down... to choose one industry, one type of client, one narrow lane. But what if that’s not what actually creates confidence, consistency, or long-term sustainability? In this episode, I explore the difference between niching and developing a signature style, and why a recognisable approach can be far more powerful (creatively and commercially). Recorded off the back of a challenging, client-specific edit that pushed me outside her usual comfort zone (in a good way), this episode looks at how photographers can evolve with their clients...
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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...
info_outlineIn this vulnerable solo episode, I share an experience I never expected to have—letting a client down. As a brand photographer, my priority is always to deliver the best service possible, but sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way. I open up about a situation that rocked me, how I handled it, and the lessons I learned about communication, contingency planning, and emotional resilience. Whether you're a photographer or any other service-based business owner, this episode will help you think about your own backup plans and how to navigate setbacks with professionalism and integrity.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Why this episode feels a little different
01:30 – The Morning Everything Went Wrong: What happened and why I couldn’t make it to the shoot
02:45 – First Lesson Learned: Why I should have picked up the phone
04:10 – Making Things Right: How I handled compensation and client expectations
05:30 – Gaps in My Contingency Plan: The hard truth about crisis management in my business
07:15 – What This Taught Me: Key takeaways for solo business owners
08:45 – Final Thoughts: How setbacks help us grow and what to do next
If you've ever had to navigate a difficult situation with a client, I'd love to hear how you handled it. Let’s continue the conversation—DM me or join the Facebook group. And if this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to share it with a fellow business owner who might need to hear this!