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Professional Photographer

Author: Professional Photographers of America

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Welcome to the Professional Photographer podcast by PPA! Our goal is simple: to empower you in building a thriving photography business. In today's dynamic market, mastering the art of photography is just the beginning. You also need a solid grasp of entrepreneurship essentials like: sales, marketing, pricing, cash flow, negotiation, mindset, and planning.

Join us as we chat with successful photographers and business leaders who share their invaluable insights. You'll discover exciting new ways to achieve your financial goals and sleep better at night!

About Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
PPA is the world’s largest nonprofit association for professional photographers, serving over 35,000 professional photographers in more than 50 countries.
PPA's mission is to create a vibrant community of successful professional photographers by providing education, resources and upholding industry standards of excellence. Learn more at: https://www.ppa.com.

About Imaging USA
Start your year energized at the premier photography conference & expo. Spark your creativity and learn new skills to grow your business alongside a community of fellow photographers. No matter where you are in your career, you’ll gain actionable insights that have a real impact on your business. https://www.imagingusa.com.
85 Episodes
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Step inside the studio with Sophia Barrett and discover the secret sauce that creates truly unforgettable portraits and it’s not just about camera settings. Pat Miller welcomes Sophia, a trailblazing Atlanta portrait photographer, to reveal how shooting “in flow” can unlock artistic breakthroughs and empower both photographer and subject.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(01:43) - Sophia’s mission: empowering women through portraiture(18:07) - Empowering women while balancing business realities(22:32) - How raising prices transformed her photography businessConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Sophia Barrett ⬇Website | Instagram | Linktree
Imagine skyrocketing your influence and income as a photographer, all by mastering YouTube. In this episode, Pat Miller sits down with beauty & portrait photographer Miguel Quiles, revealing the "recipes" behind building a thriving content channel that sets you apart in a noisy market.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(02:19) – From portraits to YouTube content(09:46) – The truth about thumbnails(14:47) – Advice for aspiring YouTubers(20:00) – Why audiences want YOU, not just the gearConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Miguel Quiles ⬇Website | Facebook | InstagramThank you to our sponsor, Sony!Sony Alpha Universe | Sony Creators’ Cloud | Sony Electronics | Sony
Today's saturated content landscape makes it harder than ever to stand out—until you learn the power of genuine storytelling and strategic business skills. Nate reveals how his outdoor passion, business acumen, and unfiltered social presence shaped a career where brands seek him out and fans feel like they know him before they meet him.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(04:35) - Storytelling as the foundation of your brand(08:32) - The moment Nate realized photography has real commercial value(15:28) - Why business skills matter as much as the photosConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Nate Luebbe ⬇Website | YouTube | Instagram | FacebookThank you to our sponsor, Sony!Sony Alpha Universe | Sony Creators’ Cloud | Sony Electronics | Sony
Ready to turn your passion for gear and tech into a thriving online presence, without losing your sanity? Pat Miller digs deep with YouTube filmmaker and photographer Sidney Diongzon to reveal what really goes into mastering content creation and scaling your influence.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(03:26) - Why gear reviews resonate with creators(08:57) - Building a system to stay productive(15:12) - How a simple, fun video went viralConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Sidney Diongzon ⬇LinkedIn | YouTube | Website | Instagram | Facebook | XThank you to our sponsor, Sony!Sony Alpha Universe | Sony Creators’ Cloud | Sony Electronics | Sony
Are you still relying on photos to market your photography business? In an era of vanishing attention spans, Braxton Holley reveals why video is your new secret weapon. As consumer habits shift, photographers face a critical dilemma—adapt to video-first platforms or get left behind. Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(04:30) - The secret to hooking your audience fast(07:09) - Choosing the right platform for growth(16:18) - How to spark creativity and stay inspiredConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Braxton Holley ⬇LinkedIn | YouTube | InstagramThank you to our sponsor, Sony!Sony Alpha Universe | Sony Creators’ Cloud | Sony Electronics | Sony
Step into the wild and creative world of landscape photography as Pat Miller welcomes the trailblazing Autumn Schrock. Discover how a childhood love for Spider-Man (and Peter Parker’s Day job!) helped Autumn craft a thriving career capturing the natural world's beauty—and empowered her to inspire photographers everywhere.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(03:00) - The Mount Rainier Breakthrough(07:29) - Teaching Workshops Around the World(09:48) - Women in Photography & Sony Alpha Female+Connect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Autumn Schrock ⬇Website | Instagram | FacebookThank you to our sponsor, Sony!Sony Alpha Universe | Sony Creators’ Cloud | Sony Electronics | Sony
Struggling to balance your passion for content creation with personal fulfillment and family time? Pat Miller sits down with multi-talented creator Zach Mayfield to reveal the behind-the-scenes mindset and methods that help him scale his influence—without sacrificing what matters most.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(03:40) - Faith, Family & Work Balance(09:14) - Gear That Protects Your Work(12:16) - Playing the Long GameConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Zach Mayfield ⬇Website | YouTube | Discord | InstagramThank you to our sponsor, Sony!Sony Alpha Universe | Sony Creators’ Cloud | Sony Electronics | Sony
What if your passion for photography could catapult you from smartphone snapshots to shooting Bentleys and traveling the world—all by learning from YouTube and taking bold chances? On this episode, Pat sits down with commercial, travel, and automotive photographer Max Loewenstein to reveal how self-taught creators can break into high-profile gigs and stand out in a flooded market.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(08:08) - Blending Travel and Automotive Photography(11:01) - Standing Out in a Saturated Market(14:15) - Shooting for the Brands You WantConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Max Loewenstein ⬇Website | Instagram | LinkedInThank you to our sponsor, Sony!Sony Alpha Universe | Sony Creators’ Cloud | Sony Electronics | Sony
Are you dreaming of capturing breathtaking landscapes like a pro? International photographer Paige Tingey joins Pat Miller for an electrifying, no-holds-barred masterclass on how the world’s best images are truly made.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(13:10) - Stay positive when conditions aren’t ideal(13:50) - Three natural light types for landscapes(14:44) - Lighting influences how Paige edits each photoConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Paige Tingey ⬇Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTokThank you to our sponsor, Sony!Sony Alpha Universe | Sony Creators’ Cloud | Sony Electronics | Sony
Are you prepared to amplify your visibility and draw in your ideal audience? In this must-listen episode, Pat Miller sits down with acclaimed content creator Chris Brockhurst to reveal how photographers can amplify their influence and build a loyal following—no matter where you’re starting.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(07:32) - Growing Comfortable on Camera (09:18) - The Power of Storytelling (10:20) - Passion Over ObligationConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Chris Brockhurst ⬇Website | Instagram | YouTube | FacebookThank you to our sponsor, Sony!Sony Alpha Universe | Sony Creators’ Cloud | Sony Electronics | Sony
Are your sales hitting an invisible ceiling? Pat Miller welcomes boudoir photographer and business coach Lori Unruh Poole to reveal why ditching the classic “bronze, silver, gold” packages might be the secret to unstoppable growth.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(04:21) - Why Top Packages Limit Your Growth (16:27) - Giving Each Product a Purpose (28:58) - Common Mistakes When Going Package-Free Connect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Lori Unruh Poole ⬇Website | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | YouTube
Learn the Photography Marketing Strategies That Actually WorkStop chasing algorithm hacks and start using proven marketing techniques for photographers. In this episode, award-winning photographer and educator Bob Coates shares timeless tactics to help wedding photographers, portrait photographers, and commercial pros attract premium clients, increase referrals, and build a thriving photography business.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(05:22) - Press Releases that Work(13:38) - Vendor Partnerships(17:49) - Premium Pricing Advantage Connect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Bob Coates ⬇LinkedIn | Website | Facebook | Instagram
What if the most profitable version of your photography career starts by tuning into your creative voice instead of chasing trends?In this episode of The Professional Photographer Podcast, host Pat Miller sits down with photographer, educator, and breast cancer survivor Mitzi Starkweather. Mitzi shares how surviving cancer and confronting burnout led her to redefine her identity, launch the “As I Am” portrait project, and cut her workload while growing her income.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(04:34) - Burnout, Cancer, & Rediscovering identity(08:05) - Launching the "As I Am" Raw Project(23:31) -Daily Check-In Practice: "Today Was a Good Day" Connect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Mitzi Starkweather ⬇Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Are you truly running your photography business for profit, or are subconscious beliefs holding you back?Pat Miller brings PPA Past President Jeff Dachowski to the show for a game-changing conversation on overcoming the biggest obstacles to financial success for professional photographers.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(11:26) - Don't take pricing advice from non-clients. (20:16) - Success and positivity strengthen your brand perception(43:37) - Believe your worth--never discount your workConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Jeff Dachowski ⬇LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | Facebook
💸Quinceañera photography is a goldmine for portrait and wedding photographers.Learn how to enter this niche, shoot stunning sessions, and earn more in yourbusiness!Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(14:44) - Helping teens feel confident in their portraits(25:47) - Ideal niche for creative, non-wedding photographers(29:35) - Don’t wait for permission—start shooting quinceañeras nowConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with The Padillas (Juan & Abygail) ⬇Website | Instagram
Can you really make six figures photographing houses? Yes—with the right systems. Discover how top real estate photographer Jonathan Lee built a high-revenue, weekday-only photography business. He breaks down the tools, client expectations, and creative mindset needed to thrive in the real estate space.📌 What You’ll Learn:Why real estate photography can be more lucrative (and less stressful) than weddingsHow to land realtors as repeat, high-paying clientsKey differences between real estate vs. Airbnb/commercial photographyTips for lighting, composition, and fast workflowHow to scale your business with systems, outsourcing, and consistencyWhether you're a portrait, wedding, or freelance photographer, this episode will inspire you to rethink what’s possible in your business.#RealEstatePhotography #PhotographyBusiness #PhotographerTips #PPA #DronePhotography #FullTimePhotographerEpisode Highlights 🎤💡:(08:59) – Real estate photography sells homes, not experiences(19:46) – Set clear boundaries with demanding clients(24:06) – Learn by shadowing experienced photographers nearbyConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Jonathan Lee ⬇Facebook | Instagram | Website | YouTubeJoin the Real Estate Photography Masterclass – Miami 2025!Ready to level up your skills and business? Don’t miss this 5-day deep dive inMiami, August 18–22. Learn everything from shooting techniques to editing,floorplans, virtual tours, pricing, and scaling your services—plus expert tipson client communication and running a thriving real estate media biz. Register now
Want to transform your photography business with personal projects? Discover how Jada & David Parrish turned creative side projects into a thriving full-time business, attracting dream clients and reigniting their passion for photography.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(34:31) - We attract creative, commercial photography clients.(38:44) - Creative freedom is non-negotiable for us.(46:59) - Personal projects amplify your creative process.Connect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Jada & David Parrish ⬇Instagram | YouTube | Website
Discover how veteran photographer Susan Michal uses dance school photography to build a steady stream of high-value portrait clients without spending money on ads. In this episode of The Professional Photographer Podcast, Susan shares her step-by-step method for turning volume dance school shoots into profitable portrait sessions, including how she books $2,800 fairy sessions and even $18,000 family portraits simply by showing up in the community.Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(11:08) - You have to be willing and able to work with people. Because I don't care if you're selling landscapes, you still got to sell it to somebody, because a rock is not going to buy a landscape. A person is going to buy a landscape. We're in the people business.(26:22) - It's all about relationships. Photography is all about relationships. And you can be closed off and not friendly and not benefit from those relationships, or you can realize that every time you interact with someone from one of these schools, that is a potential family session, a potential wedding, a potential anything that could lead to a $20,000 portrait sale.(30:50) - I just don't think photographers always think as far ahead or outside the box as they need to. And really and truly, all we're talking about is very basic business models. I mean, this is how a lot of small businesses work. We just happen to be photographers. I think photographers get caught up in the fact that we're artists, and they don't often realize that we're business people first, really, because the art is about 10% of your business and the business is 90% of your business. And if you can't handle the business, then the art is never going to flourish. Connect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Susan Michal ⬇Facebook | Instagram | Website | Book
Feeling stuck in a creative rut? Discover how creative play can transform your photography lighting and wow your clients! Pat Miller talks with Chicago photographer John Gress, who shares proven strategies to break routine and keep your portfolio fresh.📸 What You’ll Learn:- Lighting exercises to push creativity- Turning Instagram inspiration into real shoots- How to build lighting mastery and attract better clients✨ Move beyond safe setups and unlock new opportunities for growth.#photographylighting #creativephotography #photographytips #lightingtechniques #portraitphotography #photographypodcast #photographyinspiration Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(06:05) - Creative Teaching(13:14) - Work Variety(14:34) - Broad SkillsConnect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with John Gress ⬇Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeThank you to our sponsor, Sony!Sony Alpha Universe | Sony Creators’ Cloud | Sony Electronics | Sony
Feeling like your studio runs you instead of the other way around? In this video, Pat Miller interviews portrait expert Monica Sigmon about transforming a chaotic business into a purpose-driven, profitable photography studio.📌 What You’ll Learn:- How to define a standout brand style- Setting premium pricing with confidence- Attracting clients who value your artistry- The one exercise that brought clarity and profit overnightWhether you’re in portrait, wedding, freelance, or commercial photography, this episode gives you the blueprint to build the business *you actually want*.#photographybusiness #photography #premiumclients #portraitphotographer #pricingstrategy #creativeentrepreneur Episode Highlights 🎤💡:(03:18) - Define & Communicate Brand(07:12) - Shortchanging Opportunities(23:36) - How Can I Help?Connect with Pat Miller ⬇LinkedIn | WebsiteConnect with Monica Sigmon ⬇Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Geidju Oshinz

Toronto wedding photographer is their post-production expertise. After the wedding day, they meticulously curate and edit your photos to enhance their quality and artistic appeal. From adjusting color tones and retouching blemishes to creating black-and-white or vintage-inspired images, their editing skills bring out the best in each shot by https://mangostudios.com .

Dec 4th
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