Episode 011 - The Ready Steady Pro Photography Podcast: How to set your prices (with FREE pricing Calculator tool)

If you're a photographer interested in making money from your talent, then this episode of Ready Steady Pro is surely a must-listen for you.

As creatives, we're often renowned for not having the best business minds. You'll find that the most successful photographers out there (the ones we all know about, the big names and authorities in the industry), are either a whizz at business, or work closely with someone who is. There is absolutely no shame in not being a business-oriented person. In fact, recognising that it's something that you're perhaps not very good at is something that will put your feet on the first rungs of the ladder. That's why so many people reach out for help and hire other people to take care of that side of things for them.

So, for episode 11 of the podcast we tackled the absolutely mammoth topic of Pricing and exactly how it is you should be setting your prices.

As part of this episode you can also get your hands on my totally FREE Pricing Calculator too. Just subscribe using this page to get the download link.

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My Pricing Calculator shows prices in 4 currencies, can take tax into account and will help you to calculate the number of hours you work, your hourly rate, how many weddings you will need to shoot each year and exactly how profitable each of your collections are.

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My guests for episode 11 included show regular Neil Graham, Lee Jones and two new voices in the form of a husband and wife team; the Dynamic Duo that is Phil & Helen Silverman.

We talk about removing the emotion from making financial decisions in your business and how to price for profit and sustainable cash flow. But as always we do go off on little tangents here and there and speak about all sorts. So, get your notepad and pen at the ready. The guys have a lot to say when it comes to pricing!

(This is another ‘Extended episode’ with over 30 minutes of bonus listening. So do get comfy!)

Sit back and enjoy this episode of Ready, Steady Pro! Click the link below to listen / download the podcast.

This weeks Topic

How to set your prices, removing emotion from business. Cash Flow. Pricing for Profit
BONUS CONTENT INCLUDED! Be sure to continue listening past the gems for more photographer banter.

Today’s Little Gems

• Neil’s Gem for the show this week was the 3-in-1 Rogue Honeycomb Grid from ExpoImaging. A flash accessory he picked up a few weeks ago from Calumet.
• Lee’s Gem was Zoe Richards’ eBook: ‘100 Lessons I wish I learned sooner as a photographer in business”
• Phil’s Gem was a friendly warning concerning the weight of Nikon Flashes bending the Hot shoe’s on his camera’s when hung upside down (for example when used with straps such as the BlackRapid). Caution is advised! If you’re using a strap that allows you to have your camera’s upside down. Phil was using Nikon D700’s and had to bend the hot shoe’s back with pliers! (the bending of the Hot Shoe’s result in flash mis-fires!)
• Helen was very kind and wanted to share 2 Gems with is today:
  • DON’T DISCOUNT. Work on a perceived value approach. Instead of £100 off, why not throw in £10 worth of prints. £10 cost to you, perception of cost to the client is much higher.
  • Manage clients’ expectations. Don’t be afraid to say no. Work with the couple and offer alternative solutions instead of saying ‘No’.
• Michael’s Gem was 10% off Moo.com’s Luxe business cards. The thickness of 3 business cards with a seam of colour in the middle

Show Notes / Links

Michael Rammell’s Pricing Calculator: Sign up here to receive the calculator via email

This weeks' Photographers

Michael Rammell
Neil Graham
Philip Silverman
Helen Silverman
Lee Jones

Episode 010 - The Ready Steady Pro Photography Podcast: An Interview with Frank Doorhoff

Prior to episode 10 of the podcast Andrew Hellmich was arguably the most widely known guest I'd had on the show. Even then, unless you were both a photographer and a consumer of podcasts, Andrew may not have been someone you had known of at that time. My guest for episode 10 however was (is) a superstar in the world of photography. Frank Doorhoff kindly agreed to come on the show. Being my first 'big name' guest so to speak; it was clear I was someone nervous. You could just tell in my voice! Here's what I wrote for the synopsis for episode 10 back in late November 2013:

This week was supposed to be a roundtable episode, but I just couldn’t keep this recording to myself any longer. This week, for episode 10 we’re back with the biggest interview we’ve done so far: This week, the one and only Mr Frank Doorhof is on the show! A few weeks back we tweeted Frank and asked him to come on the show. “Why Not” Frank replied – and here we are now.

I’m sure many of you will know all about Frank, but for those of you that don’t, let me tell you just a little bit about this man:  Frank is based in Holland and photographs fashion, portraits and a whole more. He’s one of Scott Kelby’s training guys and has educational videos up on KelbyTraining.com, He tours the world with his classes and seminars, he’s an amazing retoucher, a member of X-Rite’s Coloratti, he does some amazing things with light and has one of the best imaginations and eyes for light in the industry today.

In this interview I quiz Frank about how he got into Photography, we discuss having a safety net and a plan B to enable you to take risks. We talk about doing what you love, working hard but avoiding burnout. Frank tells us a little about how he came to be an integral part of the Kelby Media Team and we then discuss Frank’s passion for teaching, educating and sharing. We also discuss the importance of networking and the harsh reality that some people just do not know what good photography is meaning it can often come down to who you know, rather than what you know. Also mentioned is Frank’s keen interest in Italian Vogue and other fashion magazines as inspiration and Frank’s desire to one day photograph Lady Ga Ga.

This truly is a conversation with an incredibly humble man and I’m incredibly pleased to be able to share this with you today. Be sure to have a pen and notepad to hand – Frank shares a lot of wisdom in this one!

This weeks Topic

An Interview with world renowned photographer and trainer Frank Doorhoff

Today’s Little Gems

• Frank Doorhoff was extremely kind and has offered a 20% (YES – 20%!!) off of his downloadable training DVD’s on his website just for Ready Steady Pro listeners. Check them out here: and enter offer code RSP88 to receive that discount
• Michael’s Gem this week is a little unconventional in that he wants to highlight the Typhoon Haiyan Appeal by the British Red Cross – please done generously and give aid for the people in need during this horrific disaster

This Weeks' Photographers: 

Michael Rammell
 Frank Doorhoff

Episode 009 - The Ready Steady Pro Photography Podcast: An Interview with Andrew Hellmich

Whilst Ready Steady Pro came to an end after just 20 episodes, other podcasts out there have gone onto celebrate milestone episodes. PhotoBiz Xposed with Andrew Hellmich is one such show. You can bet your house on the fact that every week Andrew will release a new episode. At the time of re-releasing this episode Andrew is just about to hit episode 190 of his show.

As an avid Listener of 'PhotoBiz X' I was keen to hear from Andrew what his own best takeaways were from all of the interviews he had done with industry experts and leading photographers. This was a great interview, which gave us a great insight into Andrew's own business and ways of working too. Here's what I wrote for the show notes back in November 2013 when this show was originally released:

For Episode 9 we’re back with another one of our very special interviews. This time, it’s the interview that many listeners of this podcast, and the PhotoBiz Xposed Podcast have all been waiting for. Our guest this week is the one and only Mr Andrew Hellmich of Impact Images.

Andrew is a wedding and Portrait Photographer based out of Australia. In addition to his photography work Andrew is also the host of the highly successful and excellent ‘PhotoBiz Xposed Podcast’ – a Podcast all about the business of photography.

In this conversation I find out more about Andrew’s past and how he came to be a photographer. I ask Andrew more about how he runs his business. We talk about how things used to be in the industry compared to today, and of course, being Andrew Hellmich it means that all throughout the show he couldn’t help but leave us with plenty of tips and advice.

So, get your notebooks and pens at the ready and enjoy this Interview, with Andrew Hellmich.

This Weeks' Topic

An Interview with Andrew Hellmich – the man behind the camera at Impact Images and the voice behind the mic at PhotoBiz Xposed!

Today’s Little Gems

• Andrew has been very kind to share ‘5 things I wish I knew when starting my wedding photography business’ – This is a post that Andrew has put together especially for the listeners of the Ready Steady Pro Podcast.
• Michael’s Gem this week is another inspirational freebie in the form of a TED Talk Video. This video is from Larry Smith and is entitled “Why you will fail to have a great career”. It’s a must watch. Especially for those who have children.

Show Notes / Links

Joe McNally
Impact Images
PhotoBiz Xposed Podcast

Episode 008 - The Ready Steady Pro Photography Podcast: Knowing Your Target Market & How to appeal to them

Originally released back in November 2013, I remember the recording of this episode quite distinctly. My guests and I all spoke for quite some time before even hit record. It seemed we all had so much to discuss. So much so, that the show ran over in a big way with the recording still running. So, it became something of a feature-length episode with 'bonus content' of sorts. We got through the main top of the day, which was knowing your target market, and then went on to discussing printing, calibration, wedding albums and so much more. So, if you're listening to this show today please do make sure you're sitting comfortably!

Here are the original notes from back in 2013:

For Episode 8 I am once again sitting around the virtual kitchen table with my guest photographers to discuss the matter of Knowing exactly who it is you’re aiming your services at –  Your Target Market.

As a wedding photographer are your marketing efforts aimed at a specific age-range, to men or to women? What about pet photographers, portrait photographers and headshot photographers? Does your approach, brand and website appeal to the people looking for you? Well, for this episode I’m joined by Simon Dewey, Neil Graham and Lel Hurst to find out what they do to market themselves towards potential paying clients.

Be sure to keep an ear out for the part quite early on in the show where Simon talks about seeking clients that are ‘Visually Educated’. That’s a phrase that really struck me; it’s not something I’ve heard before but all by itself sums up the exact kind of client I’m looking for.

In addition to the usual chat, we’ve also got some extended after-show chat about printing. We talk in more detail about ICC Profiles, Monitor Calibration, which print house to use and how to proof prints.

Sit back and enjoy this episode of Ready, Steady Pro! Click the link below to listen / download the podcast.

This Weeks' Topic

Knowing Your Target Market & How to Appeal to Them
BONUS CONTENT: Printing, Calibration, The importance of Albums, ICC Profiles and much, much more…

Today’s Little Gems

• Neil’s Gem for you this week was: Brett Harkness Training. Check out Brett’s YouTube Channel and Brett’s website for some great Off Camera Flash Video’s and more!
• Lel kindly shared: Digital-Photography-School.com – a great online, photography resource
• Simon wanted to tell us about Simon Middleton’s eBook: ‘Build a Brand in 30 days’. Check that out over on Amazon
• Michael’s Gem this week is a free, 20-minute video from TED: Adam Baker‘s talk entitled “Sell Your Crap. Pay Your Debt. Do What you Love”

Photographers on the show this week:

Lel Hurst
Michael Rammell
Neil Graham
Simon Dewey

Episode 007 - The Ready Steady Pro Photography Podcast: n Interview with Rob Grimes

Originally released back in November 2013, Episode 7 of The Ready Steady Pro podcast saw me sitting down with Rob Grimes to talk all things photography. Rob had made an appearance on the show already in episode 6. Many of the things that Rob had mentioned made me want to learn more about the man and how he came to be the photographer we know him as. Naturally then I invited Rob onto the show for a one-on-one chat. This was that discussion. Enjoy!

Here's the intro I wrote back in 2013 for the show notes:

Episode 7 see’s us interviewing Rob Grimes – a member of the British Army having served in Iraq and Afghanistan. In recent years Rob has found a deep and addicting passion for photography and is now following that passion.

Back in 2010 Rob was asked by a friend in the military to photograph a wedding. Since then, as they say, the rest is history. Rob as since photographed many more weddings, second shot for other photographers, has declined a book deal (listen to find out more) and has been on shooting assignments in Paris and Barcelona.

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Something you often hear about with Rob is his Social Media Presence. People have said that they almost feel as if they know Rob, even if they’ve never met him before. Rob’s way of sharing his life and what he’s up to on Social Media is a real insight into the daily life of a man planning a career in photography for when he retires from the army in or around 2017.

Rob is an extremely friendly guy and a rare breed in that he seizes opportunities when they come his way. Rob is humble, intelligent, driven and disciplined. Add to that a very talented and fun photographer and you’ve got a perfect formula for success in the wedding photography industry.

So, sit back and enjoy this interview, with Rob Grimes.

This Weeks' Topic

An Interview with UK Wedding Photographer (and Soldier of the British Army) Rob Grimes

Today’s Little Gems

• Rob’s Gem today is a twist on Brett Florens’ ‘KISS’ approach. Rob Tells us ‘KISSES’: Keep It Simple, Stylish, Exciting, Sexy.
• Michael’s Gem for this episode was The Guild of Photographers – A UK-Based Photography Association where

Show Notes / Links

Rob Grimes' Wesbite
Project Afghan
Rob Grimes Facebook
Rob Grimes Twitter
Guild of Photographers
The London Photo walk that Michael organised for the Guild of Photographers
Aspire Training

Guests featured in this episode

Michael Rammell
Rob Grimes

Episode 004 - The Ready Steady Pro Photography Podcast: To Specialise, or Generalise? That is the Question

5 Photographers coming together via Skype back in October 2013 to share their opinions on whether it's better to specialise in photography and choose one niche, or to generalise and shoot everything that comes your way. 

Episode 4 was the first time we had a guest from outside of the UK, as Mary Angelini from Chicago in the USA joined the conversation. Joining Mary as the other newcomer was Mr Jeff Hall from. Returning guests Lee Jones and Neil Graham made it 5 photographers in total to take on this topic.

Whilst some would say there is nothing wrong with wanting to shoot everything to gain maximum exposure, others may argue that specialising and shooting one niche is the best way to move your photography business (and skill set) forward. Then again what about the seasonality of some niche’s such as wedding photography? Should photographers shoot other things, say food, portraits or commercial, during the winter months to keep cash flow coming in? I’m really excited about this topic and am really looking forward to hearing the thoughts of my guests.

So be sure to take a listen to hear what my guests and I have to say on the topic.

This weeks Topics

To Specialise, or Generalise? That is the Question

Today’s Little Gems

• Jeff’s Gem for Episode 4 was Elliot Siegal’s book “Photographing Women: 1,000 poses”. A great read and of course, available on Kindle
• Lee Jones shared with us his new purchase – theWacom Bamboo Graphics Tablet that aids in precision and speed when it comes to post-processing
• Mary wanted to highlight the fantastic new video series from David DuChemin from Craft & Vision; “The Created Image Video Series Vol.1”
• Neil kindly shared the book ‘Tribes’ from Seth Goden – a very thought provoking read. Also available as an eBook through Amazon
• Michael wanted to share the very inspiring work by Brandon Stanton, who is known for the Humans Of New York body of work

Show Notes / Links

• Michael mentioned that Jerry Ghionis suggests Second Shooters shouldn’t be paid. Sign up to the ICE Society for free here to watch the web cast where Jerry says this
• ICE Society Affiliate Code
• The guys also gave a brief nod to the superb Cliff Mautner. Take a look at his work here
• Rob Grimes got a mention on today’s show. You can see his work here. I’m very pleased to say that Rob will be on Episode 4 in Late October too.

Guests featured in this Episode

• Michael Rammell
• Lee Jones
• Neil Graham
• Mary Angelini
• Jeff Hall

Episode 002 - The Ready Steady Pro Photography Podcast: Second Shooting

Another episode from way back when (September 2013!). Although still rough and a little raw, we released our discussion for episode 2 on the ever-hot topic of second shooting and second shooters. We discussed the world of Second Shooting including how to get more Second Shooting Gigs, setting boundaries with the principle shooter, the pressure involved in being a second shooter, whether or not second shooters should be able to use images in their own portfolio, and the massive subject that is should second shooters be paid?

As well as discussing all things second shooting each guest was tasked to come up with something to give to you this evening, What we’re calling Little Gems. These can be found below.

I welcomed back some good friends and new voices to the show for this discussion.

Topics Discussed

Second Shooting & Photographer Assistants.

Today’s Little Gems

• Tracey’s Little Gem for today was a thought-provoking & motivational quote:“Life is like a Camera. Focus on what’s Important, Capture the Good Times, Develop from the Negatives. Take Another Shot”
• Lel has left us with a wedding blog to seek out and take inspiration from. Go have a look at ShowMeThePretty.co.uk/
• Lee was kind enough to share a tip that he says has increased the speed of his post-processing work immensly. Check out the progammable keyboard
• Neil’s Gem for episode 2 was how to get a replacement iPhone 5. It turns out Apple know of an issue in certain iPhone 5 models that affects WiFi & Bluetooth. Neil tells us how he got a brand new device from the apple store
• Michael’s gem for the listeners today was the ICE Society. An online training and resource center for photographers from world-renowned Jerry Ghionis.

Show Notes / Links

• Michael mentioned that Jerry Ghionis suggests Second Shooters shouldn’t be paid. Sign up to the ICE Society for free here to watch the web cast where Jerry says this
• ICE Society Affiliate Code
• The guys also gave a brief nod to the superb Cliff Mautner. Take a look at his work here
• Rob Grimes got a mention on today’s show. You can see his work here. I’m very pleased to say that Rob will be on Episode 4 in Late October too.

Guests Featured On this Episode

• Michael Rammell
• Lel Hurst
• Tracey Christina
• Lee Jones
• Neil Graham

Episode 001 - The Ready Steady Pro Photography Podcast: Websites, Customer Service & Business Strategies

Originally recorded back in September 2013, this was the very first episode of Ready Steady Pro ever recorded and released. You'll notice that the opening track for this episode isn't retained in future episodes, but as a starting point I think we did quite well.

The point of Ready Steady Pro was always that it was being put together and released by people in the exact same position as those listening; that being that those tuning in are photographers spinning the two plates of a day job and a photography side-income with the long-term objective being to transition between the two.

I listen back now myself and realise just how far I've come, but that's not going to stop me from putting this early episode back out there. But please do be gentle! I'll be the first to admit that a number of my own opinions may have changed over the course of the last few years, but I see this as a natural progression and growth of myself as a person and a photographer.

This episode was never intended to be polished or perfect. As I always say it's better to start something and get it out there, rather than perfecting for so long that it never eventually gets out there anyway!

So, get comfy and enjoy the listen. If you're new to this brave world of photography and are trying to make a go of it in a professional capacity I hope that this early recording gives you hope and belief that with enough time, practise and filled pages in notepads, that you will get there too!

Topics Discussed

• Website, Branding & Image
• Customer Service – How to Liaise with Clients
• Business Strategy – What’s Yours?

Show Notes / Links / Takeaways

• Lee Jones uses Zenfolio for his website
• Michael Rammell hosts his website using SquareSpace
• Lel, Richard and Tracey all use WordPress for their sites
• Lel, Richard and Tracey each use the ProPhoto (WordPress Plugin)
• See Tracey Christina’s Stunning 365 Project on Facebook.   Part 1.  / Part 2.
• Le Hurst goes one day better…Here’s the 366 Project
• Zack and Jody Grey

Guests featured on This Episode

• Michael Rammell
• Lel Hurst
• Tracey Christina
• Lee Jones
• Richard Hardwick