Photography Breakthrough System

Photography Breakthrough: Holiday Episode Recap & Workshop Invite Merry Christmas to everyone around the world. Who's tuning in today? I'm Matthew Jordan Smith, and this is the Photography Breakthrough Podcast where we explore the art and business of photography. Specifically how to build a thriving photography career, doing what you love, photographing people in a way that changes lives, including your own. But what if you are struggling to do that? Struggling to find clients, struggling to raise your prices so you can sleep well at night, struggling to make photography work for you. Well, that my friend is why we are here. To help you get over your struggles, and that is the theme of the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. If you are new to the show, welcome. I'm so glad you're here, and if you've been listening for a while, thank you. I truly appreciate your support, your messages, your energy, and your commitment to growing as an artist and a business owner. Maybe photography is just a thing you do on the side, or you're just beginning. Either way, you are in the right place. This is where you learn how to thrive as a photographer. Now in last week's podcast, I shared a story. But a lot has happened since our last episode, and I can't wait to catch you up. Let me begin by recapping what we talked about last week. I shared one of my favorite client stories. How the legendary Aretha Franklin became my client for 13 years, right up until her passing in 2018. , And while some of you may think that was, then times are different. Now, let me tell you, the world may evolve, but the principles of building meaningful client relationships, those never go out of style. That's what this podcast is all about, helping photographers move beyond the daily struggle, because let me be honest, too many talented photographers , are out there feeling stuck. Maybe that's you. You are not alone. If you are struggling to get steady, clients feel like you're undercharging or constantly chasing that next big gig, that's exhausting. And. It's not sustainable. This podcast is here to show you another way, a path toward consistent, fulfilling work with clients who come back again and again because they love how they feel when they work with you. Last week I shared the story of how I first met Aretha Franklin and how I worked on that relationship. To help her become a consistent long-term client. But that's not just with Aretha Franklin, that's with every client I've had this year. Those same strategies work today. This past November, we took a huge step forward. I launched a brand new three day workshop to help photographers like you overcome these exact challenges. In the workshop, I shared the same strategies I've used to build a decades long career photographing some of the most incredible people in the world, from celebrities to entrepreneurs, to everyday people who just want to feel powerful in front of the camera. At the end of that workshop in November. I offered photographers the opportunity to go deeper, To work with me more closely and start transforming not just their photography, but their client experience and business model. But many of you needed more time. You had questions, you reached out via email and dm's that I want you to know. I heard you, that's why I'm excited to announce we're bringing back the workshop in January so you can begin your new year. The right way, bigger, better. We've enhanced the workshop. The last time we did the workshop, many people may have been traveling. It was the holiday season, beginning of the holiday season. And there were many distractions. January is the time to start things new. And we've revised the workshop and built it to give you clarity and confidence so you can finally build the business you've been dreaming of. But before I share more about that, I want to tell you a story, one that happened just a few weeks ago after the workshop. This story shows you that what I teach is not theory. It's what I live. Every step I outlined in the November workshop, I follow them in my own business every single day. So here's what happened. In the first week of December, 2025, I got hired for one of the most exciting assignments of my year. I was flown to Kenya, Africa to photograph a group of seven women from Japan all going on safari together. These women weren't models or celebrities. They were real people, each with their own story embarking on a once in a lifetime adventure, and I had the honor of documenting it. Now, here's the part I want you to pay attention to. This client. She was referred to me by another client. This was a first time client. Let me say that again. This job going to Africa to Kenya on Safari came from a first time client. Who was referred to me by another client. In November. I talked about this a lot, how you get consistent clients, how you get more work, and a big part of that is from referrals. I talked about how you get referrals, but maybe some of you were thinking. Well, that's just you. That won't work for me. I'd like to invite you to the January workshop because this will work for you. You just have to follow the steps. I know taking those steps can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. Now, this first time client who found me. Based on a referral from another client, I didn't have to pitch. I didn't have to chase. I showed up consistently. Shared stories and positioned myself in a way that made her say, you are the one I want. What I want you to understand is when your positioning and your process are dialed in, opportunities come to you. Instead of you chasing every single day, the assignment in Kenya, it wasn't just a job, it was a deeply fulfilling experience. That reminded me why I do what I do, and since returning. It is already led to new opportunities, new inquiries, and new doors opening for 2026. Even a chance to go back to Kenya sometime in 2026. That's the power of building a business that's rooted in transformation, not just pretty pictures. When your work makes people feel something, they talk about it, they come back, they refer others. I can't say this loud enough. You don't have to struggle. There's another way. And that's what we'll go deeper into this January. In our upcoming training. I'm gonna break down the exact steps to attract high quality clients who value your work. Clients that see your value and allow you to charge what you're worth. We're gonna talk about that client experience. That leaves people changed and loyal for life. We are going to discuss a system that brings bookings month after month, if that sounds good to you. Make sure you're at the workshop. Now for those who were in the workshop in November. How many jobs have you done since that workshop. Since the workshop ended, I've done four. I went to Kenya, photographed brand new clients. Came back 20 hour trip and the day I arrived, a client wanted to shoot on that same day, two days later did another shoot. Two days after that, another shoot. Four jobs within the first two weeks of December. That's not just me. That can be you. Now, how many jobs do you have lined up for January? The training I'm talking about will help you have work consistently, not just. Next week, but next month and the month after that in the workshop, we'll talk about a system. If you've been on the fence wondering if this kind of business is even possible for you, please know this, it. Is, I've taught it. I live it, and I want to help you do the same. But for now, take a breath. It's the holiday season. Be present. Then come back in January, ready to grow. Because what I have planned could be the turning point you've been looking for. To everyone who's reached out, I'm designing this next chapter just for you. Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for showing up for yourself. Have a joyful, safe and loved filled holiday season. Stay inspired and happy holidays. 

From Stranger to Client for Life Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Matthew Jordan Smith. Since this podcast began, I've shared tips to help you overcome your biggest photography challenges, how to raise your prices, how to make more money, how to build a client base. But one of the most important and overlooked keys to long-term success is this, how to create consistent, lasting clients. Today, I want to do something different. I want to tell you a story. A story about a single shoot that turned into a 13 year client relationship and a friendship that changed my life. But more than that, this story is packed with lessons about connection, about care, about how we as photographers can create transformation, not just through images, but through the experience we offer. Let me take you back. Years ago, I got a call from someone who wanted to work with me. But before I ever met her, I'd already heard the stories. She's hard to work with. She doesn't like anybody. Are you sure you wanna go down that road? I bet you've had something similar happen. When someone's reputation gets in your head, before you ever have the chance to form your own impression, you've heard those voices from others giving you their opinion. And if you're not careful, it will become your opinion. So here's the first lesson. Always enter into every opportunity with a clear head and an open heart. Other people's experiences are not your truth. Other people's experience is based on them. It has nothing to do with you find your own truth. So every new opportunity go in with a clear head and an open heart. So this client, she was famous, very famous, and like many celebrity shoots, I was communicating through managers and assistants. But before the shoot, I did something different. Before I ever met her, I did my research. I found out what she loved and based on that research I sent her yellow roses. That one gesture changed everything. She called me personally and said, no photographer has ever sent me flowers before. And just like that, we had a connection. We still hadn't met face to face, but we had a connection. I could feel it. We started talking about photography sure. But also about food, about music, about life. We bonded before we ever met face to face. This is part of what I teach all my students. It doesn't matter if the client is famous or not, this works on everybody. But back to the story. When I flew to Detroit to do our first shoot, I brought music curated just for her. The shoot went well at the end. I gave her, at the time, my brand new book, which was my first book ever. She looked at the book and said, why am I not in this book? She wasn't joking. I promised her right then and there. When I do another book, I promise you, you will be in it. She smiled, looked at me, and then handed me a piece of paper and said, this is my personal number. If you ever need anything, call me. I stood there, shocked. And I held onto that paper all the way back to New York, staring at it on the flight wondering, is this really happening? I mean, this is the Queen of Soul who gave me her number. Months later I heard she was going to be performing at Madison Square Garden. I didn't have an assignment. I wasn't being paid, but I want to capture her story. I called the number. Expecting a manager or agent to pick up, but no, she answered the phone. I told her my idea. I said, Mrs. Franklin, I'd love to follow you around for three days. I told her exactly what I want to do and my ideas for doing it. The next thing I know, I'm backstage. I'm in the car, I'm in rehearsals. I'm in the dressing room now. There's no paycheck involved in this shoot. It was my idea just to build a bond to build trust. That right there is how you turn a stranger into a long-term client over the next 13 years. I, I photographed Aretha Franklin countless times. We talked about everything, TV shows, recipes, life when she passed. We were planning on our next shoot. She was even sending me text messages from the hospital talking about ideas about the next shoot. You see, she wasn't just a client, she was a friend. This is my dream for you not to chase new clients every single week, every single month, constantly scrambling for the next gig. That's exhausting and it's not necessary. Instead, build bonds. Give your clients an experience that makes them feel seen, special, valued. It doesn't matter who it is. Maybe you're thinking Matthew, oh yeah, that's a celebrity. That doesn't matter. Making somebody feel seen and special and valued. That works for everybody. Who do you know who doesn't want to feel seen, feel special? Many people are not doing this and this is why they're struggling. But this is how you create consistent clients who come back time and time again, and who tell others about you. Aretha's story and our journey together is what inspired my latest book, Aretha Cool is not just a photo book, it's the story from our very first shoot to her last official photo session. It's a visual journey of trust, transformation, and yeah, legacy. And today I want you to experience it in a deeper way. I want you to get the book, Aretha. Cool. I've put the book on sale on Amazon. Over 40% off. To make it easy for you to get this book, because there are a few things I want you to do. Number one, order the book. It's on Amazon, but don't just flip through the photos. Look between the lines, see the bond, feel the relationship. Start by going to page 40. Now I want you to see this through the eyes of a photographer who knows the full story. I want you to go to page 40. The page is not numbered, but the page after is, so you can find it pretty easily. Look at that image as a photographer. Is that the image that a client gives to a photographer they've hired, or is that the image a friend gives to another friend. Take a look at that. You are a photographer. You know what that moment feels like when it's just a moment, and you also know what that feels like when a friend is saying goodbye to you. It's a real moment. That's a bond, that's a friendship. Now go to page 52 and let me share a story that most don't know. This was an unexpected moment. It was the first time seeing her after not seeing her for a few months. And she gets out the car this way to surprise me. Everybody's laughing. I'm laughing. She's laughing. All the bodyguards are laughing. It was a special moment between friends. Look closely at that smile. I want you to understand what it looks like as a photographer when you're photographing a client who becomes a friend, because this is what I want for you. Stop looking at your clients as a client. Create a friendship, create a bond, because when you do moments like this happen organically. This was not a planned moment. I had no idea this was gonna happen. I had no clue. And when it did, it shocked me, and that's the beauty of it. Now look at page 93. Don't laugh. That's a real moment and instant. And I'm sure you have experienced this moment with some of your friends. You are out and about and you bump into a friend. You see them, you recognize them, and that's the expression, right? I think you're starting to get it. You're creating something special that lasts far longer than the paycheck. Now, let's go a little deeper. I told you earlier that I started creating a playlist for every shoot. Now on that first shoot, I made a playlist, and at the time I didn't know her, but after that first meeting, I learned that she loved her own music. So I put a playlist together of my favorite Aretha Franklin music, and I played it for her on every single shoot after that. So every time we were in studio shooting, I played that playlist. Well, guess what? I made a playlist on Spotify and I put all those songs that I made for Aretha Franklin into that Spotify playlist. The playlist is called Aretha. Cool. I want you to play that playlist as you look through the book. This way, you'll hear the same music I played for the Queen of Soul. As you are looking through the book, it's a very different experience. That playlist is the exact playlist I used on every single studio shoot for her. Music sets the tone. As a photographer, you already know this. It creates the mood. It also deepens the connection. It, I just don't do this for celebrities. I do this on every single shoot. The reason why I'm asking you to buy the book. is so you can experience what she experienced, feel what we felt, whether you're just starting out or you've been shooting for years. This story, this book is a roadmap to building not just a career, but a legacy. So here's your mission. Get the book Aretha. Cool. It's on Amazon in the US or you can order@arethacool.com. If you're international, listen to the playlist on Spotify as you look through the book. Number three, start seeing your clients differently. Stop thinking transaction. Start thinking transformation. And if you are one of my students, let's go deeper. Let's talk about how to apply this to your own work. Now, if you're listening to this podcast and you're not a photographer, give it to a friend who is. But first, tell them the story and have them listen to this podcast episode. Help them see what's possible. We don't just take pictures, we create moments. We build trust. We give people the experience of truly being seen. That my friend is how we create clients for life. I'm Matthew Jordan Smith, and this is Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Until next time, stay inspired, stay intentional, and remember, your lens has the power to change lives. Happy holidays.I'M READY

Photography Breakthrough System Pitch EpisodeHello, friends, and welcome back to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast, the show where we stopped chasing. Stop guessing and undercharging and start building businesses that actually support the life and freedom we all want as photographers. Today's episode, How to Double Your Photography Income. Today is a big day, not just because we're talking about real, tangible income growth, but because. If you listen to this podcast, you know, today is the second day of our launch. That's just for people who will listen to this podcast. Today is the second day. And the last day of this very special offer to join Photography Breakthrough System, my live training experience that shows you how to get booked more often, how to increase your prices, and how to build loyal clients that come back to you and refer their friends. So stick with me because this might be the most important episode you've listened to yet. Before we go any further, I want you to do something bold. Write down the exact amount of money you made in photography over the past year. Now I know you might be in your car driving at the gym, the grocery store, chasing your toddler. So if you can't do this right now, make a promise to yourself and when you get home today, before you scroll. Or begin cooking or collapse on the couch. Take out a piece of paper and write down that number. It's okay if you don't know the exact number, but write down the amount of money you think you've made this year. As a photographer. Now, when you see this number right in front of you, really look at it. No judgment, no shame, just honesty. That number, it tells a story. Now, here's the next question. How are you planning to double that number next year? Not, wouldn't it be nice? Not if I get lucky, not if Instagram picks up, but how? What's the plan? Do you have one or are you hoping that just doing more of what you've been doing somehow leads to more income? Let's be real. If you tried to grow in the past , but didn't have a structure, a system, a guide, you probably hit a wall over and over. And that doesn't mean you're not good enough. It means you've been trying to hike a mountain without a map. You are working hard but not making progress. Let me give you a quick analogy. Imagine someone says, I want to get in shape. I want to feel strong. I want to lose weight and feel good in my body, so they start working out, but instead of really working out, they spend the time in the gym, scrolling on their phone, they guess what to eat. They show up inconsistently, they try one thing, then quit, then try another, and after six months, nothing's really changed. Now imagine that same person hires a personal trainer.The trainer gives them a plan. They work out together so the trainer can see exactly what they're doing and point out what they can't see. The trainer helps their form, nutrition, accountability, and in a few months, boom. Progress confidence results. Was the trainer magic? No, but the structured system accountability. And real time feedback made all the difference. That's exactly what I've built into the photography breakthrough system. This is not a course, it's live training. A live training experience with me coaching you in real time, showing you exactly how to create a photography business. That books consistently helps you charge more and build client relationships that lasts. Turns strangers into longtime loyal clients, who refer their friends. Do you really want to double your income? It takes a system. The Photography Breakthrough System, it's your personal trainer for your business. Photographers message me all the time saying things like, I just want to make this work. I'm tired of not getting clients. I know my work is good. But nobody wants to pay my rates. Listen, I get it. I've been there where your camera feels like a gift. And a curse where you want to keep doing what you love, but you're burning out where you start questioning if you should just give up on being a photographer. But here's the truth, you can't double your income with hope. You do it with a system. A system that shows your clients your value. Before you ever talk about price, a system that builds trust and connection before you ever meet your clients. A system that gives you confidence. So you stop overthinking and shrinking about your worth, you know you are worth it. How do you show your clients? That's what I'm giving you inside photography breakthrough system. As you are listening to this, we are in the final hours to join after today. The doors close because all the time will go to helping those who really want to double their income. After today. The doors close. I don't know when we'll offer this again. But here's the important part. I made a special link just for my podcast listeners. This is only for people who listen to this podcast and that's you. This special link. It's in the show notes. It's also on my Instagram until midnight tonight, east Coast time. It simply says, I'm ready. If you go to my Instagram, click on my bio link. You'll see a link that says, I'm ready. That's your special link. Click that to join. Again, that special link simply says, I'm ready, because if you are, you already know it. Click the link. Say yes to your growth. Say yes to finally having a system that works with your creativity, not against it. I created the photography breakthrough system because I know what it feels like to struggle. This is for the photographer who is wildly talented but tired of struggling for the photographer who wants clients to say yes with confidence even at a higher price for the photographer who knows in their gut. I can't keep doing this alone. If that's you, this is your moment. Click the I'm Ready link in the show notes or on my Instagram, you'll find me under Matthew Jordan Smith. Click the link in my bio that says, I'm ready. Let's double your income on purpose with a plan and with support. I want to thank you for listening today to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast and this episode, How To Double Your Income is Made just for you. Now, don't forget when you get home, the first thing you should do is write down that number. The number you believe you made in photography this year. As you're on your way home, ask yourself how will you double your income ? And if you're ready for the real answer, you know where to find it. Until next time, let's build a business that finally works. After tonight, we close the doors, and then I become your sensei, your trainer to help you see what you can't see by yourself. Alright. Until next time, happy holidays. Bye for now. I'M READY

Photography Breakthrough: Teachable to Get Booked Welcome back to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast, the place where struggling portrait photographers transform into confident business owners consistently getting booked by clients who value their work and happily pay their rates. I'm your host, Matthew Jordan Smith, and today's episode, episode number 18, is going to cut through the noise. And get right to the heart of something. I know a lot of you are feeling. Or do you just want to keep doing what you've always done? Hoping something changes. As many of you know. I wrapped up a free three day workshop at the end of November. If you were there, thank you. If you showed up, you listened, you took notes, you are already ahead of the curve. We talked about the real reason most photographers aren't getting booked. We talked about what's really happening when a potential client says, I love your work. We talked about how good that feels for us as photographers. You know that feeling. The first moment somebody. Inquires about your work, and they say, I love your pictures. We all know what that feels like in that moment. Somebody sees us, recognizes our work, and then wants to find out how much we charge, then you reply with your rate and then they ghost you. The moment you send your pricing, they disappear. You don't hear from them. We unpacked how giving your price without the right structure behind it is like handing someone an expensive menu before they've even sat down in your restaurant. No context, no emotional connection, no value built. And I showed you how the problem isn't your price. It's the lack of a system around how you present your offer and guide your clients through an experience. But here's what I noticed. Not everyone who heard that message took it seriously enough to act on it. But some of you did. Those who really wanna change the next 12 months of your life, your business, and I am excited to get to work with all of you! Some of you saw the door open to the Photography Breakthrough System, my live training that walks you step by step through building a business that actually gets clients, but some hesitated. Maybe you said I need to think about it, or maybe next time, or I kind of already know this stuff. And if that was you, I want to say this with love, but also with clarity, knowing and doing are not the same thing. Thinking about change is not the same as becoming teachable. Now, being teachable doesn't mean you are a beginner. Let me make that clear. It doesn't mean you are not talented. It means you are ready to stop doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. You've probably heard that quote by Albert Einstein. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. But let's get back to that question. Are you actually teachable? Because when you are, it truly means you're ready to stop doing the same things over and over and expecting those different results. It means you're willing to look at your current process. Honestly, that's not easy. I get it. During the workshop. I asked you to write down how much you've made in the last 12 months and look at that honestly, what got you here won't get you there.This next one is a big one. Let go of pride, let go of fear, and let go of ego so you can actually grow. Until you do those things, nothing's going to change. I think that's very important. So I wanna repeat it so you actually really hear this. Look at your current process, honestly, except what got you here. Won't get you to your future. Let go of the pride, the fear, the ego, so you can actually grow. You see if you keep posting your work and hoping someone books replying with your price and crossing your fingers, waiting for the right time to invest in yourself. Then deep down you are relying on hope instead of strategy, and hope is a terrible business model. I know taking a step forward can be scary. Investing in yourself can be scary. But let's talk about why structure sets you free. Let me tell you, this structure does not limit your creativity. It protects it. Having a system doesn't make you robotic. It makes you consistent. When you have a client journey that builds value, before you talk price, when you know what to say and when to say it. When you know how to guide a client to see themselves in your work and trust your process, you stop getting ghosted. You stop doubting your worth, you stop shrinking your price just to get someone to say yes, and that is what I'm teaching inside the Photography Breakthrough System. Not a bunch of theory, not another surface level course. A framework that helps you get booked more consistently and feel proud of what you charge. Speaking of which, are you happy with what you're charging? Let's be honest. He is the real question. Do you want to grow or do you want to be right? About why it's not working. Do you want results or do you want to keep repeating what feels comfortable? Are you teachable? Or are you just hoping clients will magically start valuing your work someday? I say all this with deep love because I see your potential. But I also see the trap you might be in, and it's this, thinking your current effort should already be working. Instead of realizing it's time to upgrade the way you run your business. Here's the good news. If something inside you is stirring right now. If your chest feels tight, if your mind is racing with, maybe I do need to shift something, then you are teachable. And today for those people who hear this but hesitated. I am going to give another chance to change your future, But this is only for the next 48 hours. Think of this as a gift to yourself. A gift to your future self. Today, we will open the door to photography breakthrough system, but just for a little while, this is your chance to stop winging it and start building a business that actually works, not one that's built on hope. One that's built on clarity, connection, and confidence. This invitation. It is for those who listen to the podcast. If you know you need to take action, today is your day. The link to sign up and change your life is in the show notes. I will also put the link on my Instagram. Go to my Instagram. Right now I'm under Matthew Jordan Smith. When you click the link in my bio. There, you'll find a special link that's just for you. I'm not telling anybody else. This is just for people who will listen to this podcast, who know you need to take action, but you've been afraid, scared to move forward. I get it. I know what that feels like. But this offer is just for you. The special link will say two words. I'm ready. That's it. I'm ready. Click the I'm Ready link. And come and join us. I look forward to seeing you. Thank you for being here for episode 18 of the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. If this hits home today, I'd love to hear from you. DM me if you have questions on Instagram. As I said earlier, I'm under Matthew Jordan Smith. Tell me what you're ready to do differently now. If you are on the fence, do me a favor. On Instagram, send me a message and let me know. Matthew, I'm on the fence because... I'd love to hear from you. But if you're ready to become truly teachable and build the system you business has been missing, check out photography breakthrough system while enrollment is still open. Remember, click the link that says. I'm ready. This is your time. Until next time. Remember, confidence is built, clients are guided, and the breakthrough comes when you're finally willing to do things differently. Thank you for your time today. Thank you for being here. Thank you for showing up because that alone lets me know you care about your future. Now let's do something about it. I look forward to seeing you very soon. Until next time. Bye for now.I'M READY

Overcoming Fear: Photography Breakthrough System Has there ever been something that you know you needed to do, but there was fear that was holding you back? A lot of people face this at some point in their life. I think it's part of the journey of being an artist, being a photographer, But succumbing to your fear doesn't keep you safe. It makes things worse. If you are a photographer who's been struggling, struggling to find clients. Struggling to raise your prices when you know you need to. You know, you make good work, great work. You put a lot of time and effort to master your craft to get better, and now you're at the point when you should be paid for your work. But you're scared to raise your prices. You buy expensive cameras, expensive lenses, computers, hard drives. Lights, props, all the things you need to master your craft and make amazing images, but then when it comes to raising your prices, the fear kicks in and this is not new. You've been fighting this for a long time. How do you get past this hurdle? If you've been listening to this podcast, you know, today is the last day to sign up for photography breakthrough system. There are only a few hours left, then that window closes. Let's talk about what happens if you don't decide to join photography Breakthrough system. The system that's gonna change how you go about running your business. The system that's gonna teach you how to raise your prices, make more money in your business, have more clients, and have consistent clients. Not for a week or for a month, but for the rest of your photography journey. If you decide to stay where you are, stay stuck. Continue the struggle. It doesn't stay the same. The struggle gets bigger, the problems get bigger, and it may get to the point where you have to sell all your gear just to get by. Give up on photography, altogether, and go back to doing something you really don't want to do. I am telling you this because I was almost at that point after all these years of being a photographer, I was about to throw in the towel, give up and try to do something else. That's a horrible feeling. It was a horrible place for me to be. It was depressing for me, but then I found a way, the system that changes everything. That's what I created, and now teaching in the photography breakthrough system, a way for you to break free of all those struggles. But today's the last day and there are only a few hours left now. I've heard some objections from people, and I wanna talk about all those objections, the things that's keeping you stuck, giving you fear. The first one I heard was Matthew, I know I need this, but it's a little bit expensive for me. Let me ask you this. What's the long-term effect of you staying where you are doing nothing. How many jobs will you lose over the next six months, over the next 12 months? Because you keep doing exactly what you've been doing. Now imagine all those clients who said no to you in the past saying yes, and not only saying yes, but referring their friends to you because of what you've given to them. That's what I teach you. What do you think that's worth when you think about that? What you're losing by not taking action, you're losing way more than the cost of this course. There are two options for you to join a one-time payment or three payments. It's totally up to you by make it easy for you to make the choice to turn your life around. What's the value of one client? Let's think about that. I told you all earlier, if you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you now know that I had one client that opened the door to 60 other clients this year. And like I told you on the other day, another client brand new is taking me on a trip tonight to a place where I've want to go all my life to Africa, to Nairobi for a week to do a job. But let's talk about you. What are you missing out on? The client who says no to you? Because they didn't see your value, because you didn't know the system that unlocks the door for them to hire you and not only hire you one time, but have a repeat client that tells their friends and colleagues about you. The truth is you can't afford not to do this because not doing it keeps you where you are and where you are doesn't stay the same. It grows and gets worse to the point where you may find yourself giving up on photography altogether. 'cause you're trying to figure it out all on your own. You don't have to. I had another person say to me, Matthew, how long is this course? Well, first and foremost, it's not a course. I want to make that clear. This is not a course, it's live training, it's transformation. Let's talk about that question for a second. How long is the training? It's really not a matter of how long the training is. What's more important is how fast you can get results, how fast you can get into action when you join. There will be a lot of work. I'm going to push you. That's what I'm there to do. I'm gonna give you assignments, homework to do. I know you're busy, but these assignments are going to change everything for you, teach you how to make more money, teach you how to turn a potential client into not only a client, but a long-term client. You've got to do the work. The training is live. So there's accountability also. Sometimes we need that person to hold us to the fire to make sure we do the work. That's my job to make sure you do the work. So about how long is it? It's not a question of how long. This training is about getting you into action as quickly as possible so you can get the results you need as quickly as possible. Another person sent me an email and said, Matthew, everything you're saying is exactly what I need, and I know it, but I'm not ready yet. Let's think about that. When have you ever been ready for anything that happens in life? Were any of us ready for the pandemic when it hit. We didn't even know it was coming. For those of you who have children, were you ready the first time you became a parent? Life does not wait for us to get ready. Saying you are not ready is just giving into your fear. And to be honest, it's not a matter of how ready you are. It's simply how committed you are to changing your life. Because being ready is an illusion. No one's ever ready. You just have to take that step. How many successful people waited until they were ready? You've heard the story. If you're waiting, you'll never be ready. The real question is, how long do you want to wait? 'cause the longer you wait, the more clients you miss, the more opportunities walk by you every day and you stay stuck right where you are. I received another message from a young photographer who said, Matthew, I don't have any clients. I love photography. I want to do this, but I don't have any clients. This probably is not for me because I'm a newbie. Here's the beautiful thing. If you are brand new, just starting this journey, you are exactly in the right place and you are the perfect person to be on this journey. You don't have any bad habits to break. You get to learn from the beginning how to do this the right way. That is exactly where you want to be. Many of us have been doing this for a long time on our own, trying to figure it out, stuck in our head and getting nowhere. If you have one client or no clients, you are absolutely in the right place. To be honest, no matter where you are on your journey as a photographer, it's never too late to change things. And what's beautiful about this system, it meets you where you are shooting for one month, shooting for 50 years. This system will change everything for you, and you'll find out in those first seven weeks. It is gonna change your life and how you do everything forever, but your time is running out. This time tomorrow it'll be too late to sign up. The doors will be closed because all my time will be going into preparing and training all the new students who said yes. Those who want to really change their life and enjoy life as a photographer. Making more money in photography next year than they did this year. Here's the real question. Is that going to be you? The link to sign up is in the show notes. It's also on my Instagram bio. I'm there under Matthew Jordan Smith. Click my bio and it's right there on top. Photography Breakthrough System. This is your time, your day to change your life forever. For those who said yes, I look forward to seeing you in photography Breakthrough system. For those who are still on the fence, let me ask you this. How long are you willing to keep losing clients, letting them pass by and slip through your fingers? How long will you wait? Time is a funny thing. We don't know how much time we have, which means we never have time to waste. Today is your day. Push your fear aside. Click that link to sign up. I look forward to seeing you as a new student in photography breakthrough system. Once you join, you'll have dates for our first meet and greet session. I look forward to seeing you all there. It's time to break past all your fear, past all your struggles that you've been fighting on your own. And start a brand new way of going about your photography life. All right, everyone. Thank you for your time. Thank you for being here. I look forward to meeting you and photography breakthrough system. Until then, bye for now. 👉 Sign up now and save your spot before it fills up!

Thankful Photography Breakthrough PitchHere we are the day after Thanksgiving, November, 2025. I know this has been a challenging year for a lot of people, but right now I just want you to be thankful. I wanna remind you of all the great things that are still here.You're still breathing. You can hear and see and taste and touch, and that's a blessing. With all that's happening around us all over the world. It is very easy to be caught up in all that's negative. But today I want to remind you to be truly thankful. Whenever I talk to anybody about Thanksgiving, the conversation immediately turns to food. What you're going to have, the Turkey, the ham, the dressing, you know, the conversations. Thanksgiving has become a holiday of just eating and being with friends and family. I must admit, when I lived in the States, it was my favorite holiday. Not so much because of the eating, but just being around friends and family. It can be a beautiful thing. But you are a photographer and maybe you've had a challenging year. So many of us today struggle. Struggle with marketing, struggle with clients, struggle trying to raise our prices, struggle. Just trying to make a living as a photographer. I get it. But today I want to tell you, there's a lot to be thankful about. If we've never met before this year, we've had a chance to connect over this podcast. This year, the creator woke me up and showed me how to make something that can change not only my life. It can change your life no matter where you are in the world. That's a lot to be thankful for. If you're going through any challenges in your photography business, Or maybe you're just trying to get your business up and going get your first clients and not sure how to get past charging a very low amount of money to have anybody hire you. That is a challenge and a lot of new photographers face that at even more established photographers face that same struggle. Doing other things on the side just to make it, or maybe you're doing a regular job and trying to do it on the side in hopes that you can make photography your main thing later on. Wherever you are, and that challenge rollercoaster. I want you to be thankful. That we are here today. Today is a very special day. If you've been with me on these three days of workshops, you know, today is the day when we launch Photography Breakthrough System. Today is the day you have an opportunity to come and join us. To learn what being thankful really is. So next year, this time, your song is very different. Your feeling is very different Next year, this time on Thanksgiving, you'll truly be thankful , for all the creator has done for you. I have to tell you that feeling of having your life change so dramatically brings tears to your eyes. If you are truly struggling doing everything you can and nothing's working. And you find a solution and you watch it change your life. There is nothing like that. I'm telling you this because I went through that. I know what it feels like to be challenged to not know where to turn next. Not to know where to go for help. I know all of those feelings. That is why I created this podcast to help you, to inspire you, to let you know that there is really help out there. I've heard all those struggles. I've talked to so many photographers this year who have been going through it. New photographers who are charging a hundred dollars for a session. Established photographers who are surprised how the industry has changed and are struggling now to figure it all out and everything in between. But I'm here to tell you. This is the dawn of your breakthrough year. The only reason you can stay stuck is if you turn away from what I'm about to tell you. You now have an opportunity to join photography, Breakthrough System. I am so thankful that the creator gave me this idea to share with you.Photography Breakthrough system is not a course. And by that I mean it's not like a course where you go online and you look at videos and, and all of that. It's not that. It's live training. Live training is where you are held accountable. Where you can ask questions, we can talk to each other. That's when things change. If you are left just to watch a video, you know what happens. Life gets in the way and you never get around to doing it. But when it's live, there is no excuse. You show up or you don't, and I can see when you show up. When you make that commitment to yourself and you show up, that's when things change. You already know what happens when you try to do it by yourself. You've been trying to do that all your photography life and you know where that's gotten you. Maybe you're doing pretty good in photography. But you want to do better. This system can take you for wherever you are to double what you're making. If you have no clients whatsoever, the sky is truly the limit. If you are a photographer who made less than a thousand dollars this year in photography, they are out there. I've spoken to them. Maybe you're here right now. You have an opportunity to truly change your life in such a way that you won't believe it. All you have to do is get out of your own way and follow the system. Today is the day the Photography breakthrough system opens up for enrollment. It is Black Friday. I know you're thinking about shopping and getting all these deals and all of this, but what about your future? This is the day where that can change. This will not stay open long, only a few days. Enrollment will end on Monday. It will end on Monday because I'll need to prepare everything that's going to happen going forward for you, for your first class, for your first breakthrough. So lemme just walk you through what's gonna happen once you join photography Breakthrough System. I know it's the holidays and you're wondering what, Matthew, there's so much going on. I'm gonna have a busy December. I don't have time to join the class. I got you. Don't worry when you join today. The first thing that's going to happen is we will have a meet and greet meeting. All the new students together will have a meet and greet session. You'll find out the date of the meet and greet once you join, but trust me. I've got you. I know it's the holidays. We may have two different sessions just because I know we're all busy doing things for the holidays. Maybe you're traveling or whatever. I've got you. Don't worry. The actual training however, will begin in January after the holidays, after all the excuses are gone. Let's talk about the training and how it begins. The first seven weeks are consecutive live training. I want you to be there for each of them if you can make it to each of the live trainings. No worries. As long as you've signed up. They are recorded for you. These seven weeks are your foundation after those first seven weeks of live training, which will be intense, I have to tell you now. But it's gonna take that to break past all you've been going through trying to fix your struggles on your own, it won't be easy, but it'll be much easier than if you do nothing and stay where you are. You know what that feels like. Your first seven weeks. I wanna change how you feel about photography. About the future, about what's possible. I've got your back. Be thankful today because your day, your day to change your life is here. Today is the day to give a gift to yourself. During the holidays, we think about giving gifts to others, which is great. But this gift, this first gift, is for you, gift to yourself. And I'll teach you how to give to others for the rest of your photography career in a manner that's so incredible. It will give to you in ways that you cannot imagine. I know you're thinking about increasing your finances. Yes, we're gonna do that, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. This is the day. When I'm asking you to believe in yourself now when you join, there is a 30 day guarantee, a money back, 30 day guarantee. Now maybe you're thinking, well, Matthew, you know, the first 30 days it'll still be the holiday season. Your 30 day guarantee will begin January 1st because the training begins in January. I am committed to training you in a way that's gonna change your life forever. Don't cheat yourself. Don't hold back. I know you're scared. I was there too. But this is the time for you to surrender so you can grow, surrender your old ways of thinking, which is not easy. I know. Trust me. I fought that myself at times. I still fight that. But that's why every day I start my day by getting up, getting on my knees and thinking the creator for all that he's done for me every single day. Let me just tell you what I pray for every single morning for strength throughout the day, first and foremost. I thank the creative for life for letting me wake up. I don't take that for granted, for letting me see another day, for being able to take another breath, to walk on my own, two feet to taste. The touch, the smell to see, to use my eyes, to use my voice, to be able to speak to you, and then I ask for help. Help in teaching you, training you. And I thank the creator for all he's done for me to turn my life around. If that had never happened, I would not be here talking to you. I thank God every single day for this opportunity to do what I love and do it more abundantly. And I pray for you, even though I've never met you. I pray for you. I pray for the creator to bring the right people to me. Those who really need the help, who are sincere, who are earnest and will act. No matter where you are, the creator sees you, knows your pain, knows your heart, not just what comes out of your mouth, knows your heart, what you're thinking, what you're wishing for, and I'm here to tell you. He hears you. He knows your pain. He's placed you right here to hear this message. This is your call to join Photography Breakthrough System today. This is the day that can change everything. So you now have a choice. The choice is stay where you are. The next time somebody sees yo

From Invisible to Irresistible Photography Workshop Do you ever feel invisible for photographers? We’re doing so much or posting. Posting constantly, right. Some of you are updating your website, maybe you're doing ads on Instagram or Facebook, creating reels, doing short videos. All of this just to be seen. But still, do you feel invisible at times? I've heard from many of you, and I know sometimes it can seem like you just feel invisible no matter what you do, but how would it be to go from feeling invisible to being irresistible? Let's talk about how you stand out in this crazy crowded market of photography. Standing out seems to be an uphill battle. But it doesn't have to be. If you've been following me, you know we are doing a three-day workshop. The first two days are completed. Tomorrow's the last day of the three-day free workshop on helping you get seen, helping you go from being invisible to being irresistible. And we go much deeper tomorrow. If you're just finding this podcast, welcome. The reason why I began this podcast was to help those who are struggling in their photography, struggling to be seen, struggling to raise your prices, struggling to find clients, struggling to create consistent clients. I know this struggle firsthand. I've been there, but I've been through a lot in my career as a photographer, and I want to share all I know to help you, the next generation, so you can thrive long term. In this journey of being a photographer, you go through a lot. There are peaks and there are valleys. When you're on that peak, it feels absolutely incredible, but you must know how to navigate those valleys. The secret to navigating those low seasons, the valleys, is having consistent clients. You know, it's really hard to find a new client every single week, every single month. That's an uphill battle. If you want to have a long career, if you want to thrive, if you want to do better in this world of photography long term, you need to have consistent clients, people who hire you over and over again. I don't mean throughout the month or throughout the year, but long term, for decades. That's how I've survived in this career. For those who've been really following me for a long time, you know, I moved from one country to another. I was doing well in America, but when I left, it was like starting all over again. I moved to a country where I didn't know how to speak the language, where nobody knew many of the celebrities I'd photographed, and to be honest, the ones they did know, they didn't care. It's a different country, so I had to start all over again and learn how to survive in this new market. But that was a blessing for you, because it taught me how to survive and start all over again. So maybe you're saying, oh, well, Matthew, you've been doing this for a long time, you do celebrities, everybody knows you. That may have been true when I lived in America. It's not true when I live in Japan. So if you are struggling, I made this for you because I know what it feels like to struggle and have to start from the beginning where nobody knows you. Tomorrow is day three of this workshop. It's the most important day of all three days of the workshop. If you missed day one and day two, I'd like you to sign up, go and watch both day one and day two, and then come tomorrow for day three. If you feel like you want to give up on photography, don’t. Come to the workshop. If you have a crazy schedule at your job, but you know that job is not you, after you get off work, watch the replay. To see the replay, you've got to sign up. Register with the link. You can find it in the show notes. If you're following my Instagram, I am under Matthew Jordan Smith. The link is in my bio right at the top. It's there for you. You do not have to struggle by yourself. If you feel like that invisible photographer, that's a problem. You post, you hear crickets. You know you're talented, you love photography, but you're not getting work. Let's fix that together. I want to show you how to create magnetic positioning so you are seen. What does that mean to be seen as a photographer? What does that feel like to be seen? You already know the opposite, what it feels like to hear nothing after you've posted or get a like and nothing else. Let's make you that go-to photographer. Shift things around from being the generalist to being the specialist. Today, your role as a photographer is to learn to become irresistible, and that's what I'm going to teach you in the workshop. Day one and two are important, so again, if you missed it, go back and watch both of those trainings. Then come to day three, we'll be there waiting for you. This workshop is absolutely free. Why? Because I know what it feels like to struggle. I've been there right with you, that feeling of being lost in your own thoughts, not sure what to do, and feeling like you just want to give up. You don't have to. Help is here. So sign up and come to day three. I've got a lot to share because you are worth it, because you are the next generation, or maybe you are thinking about retiring and you want something else to do. No matter where you are on your journey, I'm here for you to help you turn things around and thrive, so a year from today you have a very different story. Sound good? Make sure you sign up and I'll see you in day three of our live three-day workshop. It's going to be incredible, and I can't wait to see you grow and watch you turn things around. Oh, one last thing. As you come to the workshop for day three, you'll need one thing. Well, actually two things, something to write with and something to write on. Grab a pen, pencil, and a notepad. It's much better when you can write. It's really important that you see something in your own handwriting. You'll need that tomorrow. Okay? So bring your pen, pencil, and some paper, a notepad. This is very important for tomorrow's training. That's all you need, a pen and a notepad. You'll see why on day three. All right everyone, have a great day. Until tomorrow, always dream big. Bye for now.👉 Register now for free  and save your spot before it fills up!https://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/photography-breakthrough-workshop

Photography Breakthrough Workshop Promotion I've got a question for you. Were you there for day one? I truly hope so. In case you missed it, yesterday was day one of the workshop. If you've been struggling with your photography, struggling to charge more, struggling to find clients, struggling to get consistent clients, you need to be at the three day workshop. Yesterday was day one, but you haven't missed out. Day two is November 20th and you can still sign up. Day three happens next week. So jump in, register, and make sure you don't miss anything. By the way, in case you missed day one, the replay is available. Just sign up, watch day one again, and make sure you're there for day two. The workshop is free. Of course, it's much better if you can make it there live, but if you can't, because I know we are all busy, the real question is, wouldn't you like to be busier doing what you love and getting paid well to do it? We make time for the things that are important in our lives, for the things that can change our lives. This workshop just might be the thing for you. I've heard from so many of you going through feast or famine, you know what I mean. One month you're doing jobs every week, next month none at all, or worse, several months in a row with no clients. That's not a business. Let's fix that. A photographer sent me a video last week. In this video, several photographers were saying that photography is dying, that everyone only wants video now. You know in your heart that's not true. Is the business changing? Yes, but it has always been changing. I'm telling you this because I've been a photographer for 38 years, and I've watched it change quite a bit. But look around, everything is changing. The secret is to adapt. Are you doing things the same way you did five years ago? The world's changed a lot in five years, and yes, we must as well. So you see, this workshop is essential for you and for your future. So make sure you sign up. The link is in the show notes, or you can find it also on my Instagram. If you are on Instagram, find me at @MatthewJordanSmith. Make sure you follow, and in my Instagram bio, the first link is the signup link. Join today and make sure you're there tomorrow. Day two is extremely important. Day three, even more so, be there live. You'll thank yourself later on. So let me ask you a question, what do you think the real reason is that you're not booking clients all the time? We will go over that in the workshop. This is a free live workshop, the Photography Breakthrough Workshop, because I want this to be a breakthrough for you and your photography. The workshop’s more fun watching with a friend. Tell every photographer you know who is struggling, who’s having a hard time trying to figure this whole business out and doing it by themselves. Don’t keep this to yourself. I know a lot of photographers struggle with the whole thing of competition. But really, your only competition is you. If you're scrolling through looking at others' work and feeling like that’s your competition, well, we’ll talk about that too. If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, which I think every artist in every category goes through at some point in their career, I’ve got something for you too. Let’s fix your struggles. You are not in this alone. So why am I doing this workshop, three days of free training? Because I’ve been there. I know what you’re going through, and I know what it feels like. Frustrated, depressed, not sure where to turn next. Maybe you have a full-time job that you don’t like, and you wish you could do photography all the time. Maybe you’re retired and you want to figure this thing out so you can really enjoy your retirement, but have fun taking pictures and getting paid to do it on the side as well. I’ve got you covered. This is too important for you to miss. All those internal conversations that you’re having, there are other photographers all over the world having those same conversations, wondering what they’re doing wrong and trying to fix it by themselves. Let’s do it together. Okay, you now have your marching orders. Come on in, register, and I’ll see you tomorrow in the live workshop. Tomorrow we dive into day two. Until then, always dream big. Bye for now.👉 Register now for free  and save your spot before it fills up!https://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/photography-breakthrough-workshop

Photography Breakthrough Workshop Invitation Hello, photography friends, before we dive in today, I've got something very special I wanna share with you. I'm hosting a free three-day live workshop. It happens this week. I am very excited to share this with you. As you know, I began this podcast with the goal of helping you figure out how to stop struggling as a photographer, how to make more money, how to charge more, how to have consistent clients. Well, guess what? This free three-day workshop is focused just on that. No talking about gear, no talking about lighting, or all that other photo stuff that we normally talk about. This has one goal, helping you thrive. If that sounds good, do me a favor.In the show notes, I have the link for you to sign up. Then all you've gotta do is show up. If you're tired of struggling, if you're frustrated trying to figure out how you're gonna get more clients, how you're gonna pay your bills, how you're gonna afford to go through the holidays? I can help. As a matter of fact, you can pause this podcast right now, look at the show notes and sign up. Or if you're on Instagram, just go to my Instagram under Matthew Jordan Smith. Go to my bio. In the bio is the first link to sign up. Click and sign up right now. There is no need for you to struggle anymore. So what will we cover in this workshop? First, I'll share my own story about feast or famine, because I've been there. I know exactly what you're going through, and to be honest, if I didn’t go through this, I couldn’t really help you. But I’ve been there. I know what it feels like and I also know how amazing it feels to get over that. And you can too. We're going to go through the core problem. I'm gonna break it down so you understand why this is happening. I know you think you probably have a great idea why things are the way they are, but let's break it down. We'll talk about what most photographers try to do to fix it and why that's not working. This three-day workshop is a Photography Breakthrough Shift. Here we are, November 2025. I know the stress of going into the holidays and not knowing where your next job's gonna come from, it doesn’t have to be that way. I want you to understand and see and experience what consistency feels like in your business, so you don’t have to worry about next week or next month or two months from now. Imagine how good that will feel knowing you have consistent clients that you can charge more for your photography. That you can live the life you've always wanted to while doing what you love, Photography. Now if what I’m saying resonates with you, if you are done with the dry spells, the feast and famine, and you wanna find out how to make this all come to life with steady clients, consistent work, and higher pay. Imagine that: you being happy and having happy clients. Then join me for the Photography Breakthrough Workshop. It’s totally free. It’s live. And day one is right around the corner. So sign up now so you don’t miss a thing. This is three days happening this month. If you are hearing this podcast on the day it comes out. Monday, November 17th, the first class is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18th. But you’ve got to sign up. Don’t delay. You don’t wanna miss one day of this workshop. Signing up is simple. Just go to the show notes, the link is right there. If you follow me on Instagram, I am there under Matthew Jordan Smith. Follow me and go to my bio. At the very top, you’ll see the free workshop for struggling photographers. You don’t have to figure this all out by yourself. In the world of photography, that’s exactly what we’re doing all the time, trying to figure out all of our struggles by ourselves. That by itself is frustrating. I’m here to tell you there is help. And it’s only one click away. Let’s end this year right and start your new year off the right way. Do me a favor, if you have other photographer friends who are struggling, tell them about this free three-day training. Take it with a friend. Don’t worry about competition, because really that doesn’t exist except in your mind. I know we all think it’s there somebody stealing our job, our competition. That’s not really true. We’ll go over all that, how you can stand out and stop worrying about the competition. Stop comparing yourself to other photographers as you scroll and look at their work. That’s keeping you stuck, but it doesn’t have to anymore. Welcome to freedom. Welcome to the new chapter. Welcome to your Photography Breakthrough. Join me for the free workshop, three days of training, all to help you break through and change your photography life. Not just next week or next month, but for the rest of your photography career. Imagine that, feeling happy, knowing that everything’s covered, knowing that you can go on vacation anytime you want to, knowing that you have control over your time something we can’t get back. Okay, I’m going to end our podcast now because I’ve got a lot of work to do to prepare for the first day of the workshop. You don’t want to miss this. All right, everybody. Thank you so much for your time. I look forward to seeing you live in the workshop. Sign up right now and make sure you are there on time. I’ll see you live at the workshop for day one. All right, bye for now.👉 Register now for free  and save your spot before it fills up!https://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/photography-breakthrough-workshop

Photography Breakthrough Workshop Announcement I know what you're thinking, Matthew. This is not the normal podcast day, and you're right. Today is a break from the norm because there's something very special I want to share with you. As you know, I began this podcast with the hopes of helping photographers who were struggling. I know that's a lot of photographers. I hear it more and more every day. Struggling to raise your prices, struggling to get clients, struggling to get consistent clients. Hold on, there's hope. And that's the reason for today's podcast. I want to invite you to a special free, three-day live workshop. I'm gonna hold this online. This entire three days of workshops will be just to help you figure out this whole problem of struggling in photography, how to get more clients, how to get more consistent clients, how to make more money and do that consistently, and do it in a way where your clients become your biggest marketing tool. So they start raving about your service and they start referring you. Now, this will be three days of live training. The first day will be Tuesday, November 18th, the second day, Thursday, November 20th, and the third day, Tuesday, November 25th. November 18th, November 20th, November 25th, a Tuesday, Thursday, and Tuesday. These are three days of free training to help you figure this whole thing out. I know it's hard out there. I know many photographers are thinking about giving up, but you don't have to. This workshop is to help you figure it all out. The only thing you need to do is register and show up. That's it. If you're struggling, that's an easy thing to do. There's no more excuses. There's a way out of your struggle. So next year, this time, you’ll be singing a brand new song, one of joy, not of misery. This workshop is called the Photography Breakthrough Workshop, and I made it just for you. The link to sign up is in the show notes or go to Instagram and you'll see it there in my bio. Either way, register right now. These are three important days. You do not want to miss this. This can change your entire life. The training is live. I know you're suffering. I know you're frustrated. I know you're trying to figure it out all by yourself, like so many of us have done over the years trying to figure this whole business out by ourselves. I know it's not getting easier. And I also know you can't do this by yourself. So come and join me. Let me share everything I know to change your whole life. Imagine no more struggle. Imagine no more frustration with photography. Imagine not having to wonder where your next client's gonna come from. It’s all in the training. All three days are created to help you figure this whole thing out, and I look forward to seeing you again. The link is in the show notes, but it's also on my Instagram. Just go to my Instagram bio and you'll see it right there at the top, Free Workshop. Sign up right now so you don't miss a thing. This is super important. We're gonna go over the core problem, which you probably already know, but I wanna break it down so you really understand why it's happening. So you stop taking it personally and you learn how to get to the other side. All right. I'll leave you for now, but before you go, check out the show notes, sign up, or just go to my Instagram under Matthew Jordan Smith. Go to my bio and register there. The link is in my Instagram bio waiting for you to sign up. As we approach the holiday season, you can go into it with a new mindset, a clear path forward. End the year on the right note and start the year with an amazing way to go forward. All right everyone, that's it for today. I look forward to seeing you in the live workshop. I made this specifically for you. Until then, bye for now.👉 Register now for free  and save your spot before it fills up! https://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/photography-breakthrough-workshop

Does this sound familiar? You want to raise your prices, but you're scared if you do. You'll scare away all the clients that you have. You've worked so hard, but you know you need to charge more. How do you get past this struggle? Today's podcast: Will raising your Prices scare away clients, or finally attract the right ones? I'm photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, and today we're digging into a fear I hear all the time. As a matter of fact, if you listened to last week's podcast, you know I've been working with a photographer who is struggling. She's charging $100 for a photo session. She's giving her work away. So after last week's podcast, I talked to her again and she told me, Matthew, I'm scared. If I raise my prices, I'll lose the clients that I have. That's a common fear. I've heard that before. This podcast, this episode, is to address that fear. Let's talk about what's really going on here and what to do about it. Let's be honest, it's not just about the price. When you say, if I raise my prices, I'll lose clients, what you're often really saying is, what if I'm not worth more? What if people stop booking? What if I try to raise my prices and fail and have to give up totally on my dream of being a photographer? That fear is valid, I get it. But it's also based on a misunderstanding of how value pricing and client psychology actually work in the portrait world. The truth is this, you are not selling pixels. You're not selling pictures. You're selling how someone feels when they see themselves through your lens. Let me say that again. So you really understand this. You are selling how someone feels when they finally see themselves through your eyes, through your lens, and they love what they see. That's special. If your session is $100, let me guess what it probably looks like. You are working extremely hard. You're delivering a lot. You're not making any money. You are losing money, and you know this. And you're probably attracting clients who see this as a bargain, not a transformation. And they're right. It's a steal. They're stealing from you, and you are letting it happen. That's not sustainable. And here's the key point. Low prices don't build loyalty. Transformation does. Let's talk about what your current price is actually saying. You see, your pricing isn't just a number, it's communication. At $100 or $200, for that matter, at a low price point, your pricing may be unintentionally saying this. This isn't a luxury. It's a quick, cheap shot. It also says, I'm just starting out. I'm not sure what I'm doing. It also says this won't be deeply curated. It won't be a personal experience. Now, how do you fix this? How do you flip this? What if your pricing says this? This is a special moment of self-celebration. What if it says you are going to feel amazing? You're going to feel seen, and you're going to feel powerful every time you look at these pictures. Your pricing can also say this. This is more than a photo shoot. It's a total transformation. But here's the trick, that shift in value must come with a shift in price, because when people pay more, they show up differently. They prepare, they value the experience, they value their time, and they respect your process. But you have to also respect yourself. But here's also the amazing part. When you raise your prices, you also show up differently. I want that to sink in. You feel better. You feel proud and it shows in the work. It shows in the experience that you give. Let's get back to that statement that this photographer said to me who was afraid that she would lose clients if she raised her prices. Will you lose clients? Yes. And that's a good thing. Now, here's the tough love part. Yes, you will lose some clients who currently pay $100 if you raise your prices. But here's the reframe. Those are not the clients who were ever going to build a sustainable, joyful, thriving business for you. They know they're getting a steal of a deal and deep in your heart, you know it too. You're still struggling because you can't make a business giving your work away. Where you are paying more than what you're charging. It doesn't make sense. I know, but there's this fear about, oh, but I love this and I want to do it, so I can't charge more. Yes, you can. You are a hundred dollars clients. They aren't bad people. They just weren't buying what you are truly meant to offer. You're not meant to be cheap and fast. You are meant to create transformational photo experiences that change how people feel about themselves. Now notice. I didn't say anything about how the pictures look. Your photographs should create something that makes people feel differently about themselves, and the clients who crave that, they're out there. But they can't even see you if your pricing hides your value at a cheap value. Everyone knows they're not going to get much. They don't expect much. So how do you change this? What do you do next without burning it all down? Here's your next step. And know this is not a leap off a cliff. It's a smart transition. Create a signature experience. I want you to think about this. Don't just raise your price, raise your offer. Now, let me explain this. Design an experience that includes guided posing, intentional conversation, client prep guides, and emotional impact. That's a great start. It's intentional. Raise your price to match that experience. Go from $100 to something like $250 or $350, or I'd be much happier if it was $500 as your base, because this is the base of transformation, not your time. Is that scary? I know it is. Do me a favor. I want you to pull out a piece of paper. Now if you're driving, or in the gym, or taking a walk, you can't do this now, but when you get home, I'd like for you to do this. Take out a pen or pencil and a notepad or sheet of paper and write. That's right. Old fashioned style. Write $500. Or whatever currency you're in, and look at that number. Put it somewhere where you can see it every single day, so you get comfortable seeing it and saying it. This is your new rate. Test with a small group. Invite three to five current or past clients you love working with and offer them this new signature experience at the updated price. Get feedback from them and reframe it. I know this is scary. The first thing you must do is say that this is a new signature experience. The old you, we're gonna bury that. This is something new. And your clients need to know that. That old you, that's in the past. We're looking forward. This is your new signature experience. Communicate this change. Use email, use social, and conversations to share why you are evolving, because that's what it is. You are not the same anymore. You are growing and evolving as you should as a photographer. You started at a cheap price, but that's the old you. It's a new day. Let your clients know this is no longer quick or cheap. This is about confidence, visibility, and self-love. Let go of that scarcity trap. If fewer people book you, that's okay. You are building a foundation, one that you can grow with, not chasing bookings. The funny thing is, let's say you had five clients paying you at $100 a session and you only get one that pays you at $500. You are actually making money now. Instead of losing money, you're not working as hard and you feel much better giving value. Remember, this is not the old you. This is your new signature experience and it's special. Give this all a shot. Start by pulling out that paper and writing down that scary number. As you look at it every day, it becomes less and less scary. In closing, I want to leave you with this. You are not charging more just to make more. You're charging more so you can give more. I want you to really get this. You are charging more so you can give more, more intention, more energy, more transformation, and more sustainability for you. You are not just a photographer. You are a mirror that people stand in front of to remember their power. You reflect back their power through your lens. So price your work like that's what you're offering because it is. This podcast is important. This episode is important, and maybe you should listen to this a few times so it really sinks in, so you don't forget, so you see your value. I want you to thrive, and this, this is how it begins. If you'd like more help on what to say to help you as you start thriving and changing to this new photo experience. If this episode spoke to you, please share it with another photographer who needs to hear it. And if you're ready to reimagine your pricing, your offer, and your client experience, stay with me because next month I've got something very special. This is your new beginning. All right everyone. I look forward to seeing you next week in the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Until then. Always dream big. Bye for now.   Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.It’s designed to help you attract more of your ideal clients and turn conversations into paid sessions.Grab your free copy here:https://www.freephotohelp.com/WEBSITES MENTIONEDGrab Your Free Guide: 10 High-Converting Messaging Lines to Land More Clientshttps://www.freephotohelp.com/Aretha Cool – On Sale at Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXYMatthew Jordan Smith Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith

So how much are you charging for your photo sessions? Do you feel like you're giving your work away? If so, this episode is made just for you. Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm so glad you are here today. We all need help. Sometimes it's with something tangible, and sometimes it's more about the mind shift. Today we're talking about the mindset shift that tripled my photography income, and it's the same shift that can completely change the trajectory of your business. It starts with recognizing that your value, your true value, has nothing to do with props, special effects, edits, or gimmicks and everything to do with how you serve your clients. If you are a photographer, yes, it is about you serving your clients and being paid very well to do that. I recently spoke with a photographer who told me she didn't believe her photography was worth more than $100 a session. You heard me right. This photographer is charging $100 to do a photo shoot. That's it. When I pressed her about why, she said, unless I add a smoke machine or some other prop, then maybe I could charge $200. She didn't think her photography was worth more than that. Here's the hard truth. At that price, she was paying her clients to take pictures. Her time, her gear, her editing, her energy. All of these things cost her more than what she's charging. But even when I tried to explain this, it didn't click. Why? Because the barrier wasn't pricing strategy. The barrier was her mindset. She didn't believe in her value, and until that changes, no amount of props, editing skills, or discounts will save her business. I'm not giving up on this photographer. I'm going to keep talking to her. I've taken it as my personal mission to help train her. Now she's in her early twenties and new to photography. But this is not the first time I've heard this story. Every time I do, every time I hear a story like this, it hurts my heart to the core. This photographer learned everything she knows for free on YouTube. And let's talk about the trap of free. Here's what's happening for many photographers today. Most of what they've learned, they learned for free on YouTube or some other free resource. And here's the problem. When everything you consume is free, it's easy to unconsciously believe your work also has no value. After all, you didn't pay to learn. Why would anyone pay you to create? But this is a false belief. Learning something for free doesn't mean what you're creating has no worth. Think about it. Do you pay for sunshine? No, but is it valuable? Absolutely. What matters isn't what you paid to learn, but the transformation you bring to someone else's life. You do need to learn how to create that transformation. But I know for many, it's baby steps. And this is why I made this free guide, to help you in your transition to finding your worth. Language matters. If you are doubting what you're worth, you need better words to describe your value. Let's get back to that mindset shift. This is the shift that tripled my income. I stopped asking, what will people pay for? And started asking, what is the transformation worth to them? The transformation when you help them feel seen, sometimes for the first time. Let's break this down. A client isn't paying for an hour of your time. They're paying for how they will feel when they see themselves confident and radiant. It's not about time. They're paying for memories preserved, legacies captured, and identities celebrated. They're paying for an experience that says, you matter. You deserve to be seen. When you realize this, your price stops being about your costs and starts being more about their results. And people will pay far more for the results than they will for your time. If you are struggling with doubt, here are three practical steps to turn things around. Audit your cost. Stop pretending your time and energy are free. You don't get any more time. The second that just passed will never come back again. Add up your true cost and you'll see you can't survive at $100 a session. Reframe your offer. Instead of selling a one-hour shoot, sell the confidence, sell the joy, or the connection your clients gain by working with you. Lead with their transformation, how they'll feel after the shoot. Test belief, not price. Raise your prices today and watch what happens. Often the only thing holding you back isn't your client's willingness to pay. It's your willingness to believe that those clients are out there who will pay your price. It is also your willingness to believe you are worth it. Your time, your energy, your investment. You are worth it, but you have to know that first. Here's the truth I want you to take home with you today. Your photography is worth more than you think, baby. You are not selling pixels. You are selling identity, self-worth, and legacy. When you shift your mindset from cheap photos to life-changing experiences, everything changes. That's how I tripled my income and how you can too. If today's message hits home for you, share this episode with a friend, someone who needs to hear it today. Remember, your pictures are not cheap snapshots. They're priceless transformations. They are a moment in time that's not coming back. Own your value. The clients who matter will pay for it. Today, the transformation is about you, your mindset, and understanding that you are worth it. Stop giving your work away. Do me a favor. Play this episode again until it really hits home. Thank you for your time. I'm here to help you grow, help you see your value, and help you change lives. I am photographer Matthew Jordan Smith saying always dream big. Dream big about who you are and the work that you do. Believe in you because I do. Until next week, always dream big. Bye for now.   Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.It’s designed to help you attract more of your ideal clients and turn conversations into paid sessions.Grab your free copy here:https://www.freephotohelp.com/WEBSITES MENTIONEDGrab Your Free Guide: 10 High-Converting Messaging Lines to Land More Clientshttps://www.freephotohelp.com/Aretha Cool – On Sale at Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXYMatthew Jordan Smith Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith

So you take beautiful pictures. Everyone knows that. But you're still not working. You're still not getting clients. Why? Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm so glad you are here. So today we’re digging into a powerful truth, pretty pictures, beautiful pictures, just aren’t enough anymore. You’ve heard of AI, right? Those pretty pictures are everywhere. Are they real? Are they fake? We don’t know anymore. With smartphones, filters, and yes, AI tools, almost anyone can create a decent picture, actually, not just decent, absolutely amazing and beautiful. But here’s the good news: that’s not what clients are really buying. For decades, photography was all about skill and equipment. If you had the gear and the training to use that gear, your work stood out. If you learned your craft, you stood out, you could have an amazing career. But now, clients scroll past endless beautiful images online every single day, actually, every second of every day. The truth? Pretty photographs have become the baseline. And today, pretty pictures just aren’t enough. This is why some photographers with technically perfect work still struggle to get clients, while others with less polished work are fully booked all the time. What’s the difference? It’s in the experience they deliver. When it comes to your photography and getting consistent clients, clients aren’t just buying a file or a photo. They’re buying how they feel in your presence, during the shoot, before the shoot, and yes, even after the shoot when they’re looking at the pictures you’ve taken of themselves. That’s what they’re buying. So what do people really want? They want transformation. They want to feel seen, confident, and yes, celebrated. They want reassurance that the person behind the camera knows how to guide them, make them comfortable, and help them feel like the best version of themselves. There is no AI tool or filter that can do that. Let me give you a practical example. Imagine two photographers. Photographer A shows a feed of gorgeous landscapes, moody edits, and technically perfect portraits. Photographer B shows client stories, a nervous mom who finally felt beautiful after years of avoiding the camera. Or a business owner who walked away with headshots that helped them finally feel confident pitching their services. Better yet, maybe it’s a couple who said, “The shoot brought us closer together.” Photographer B is working all the time. So who do you think is getting more work? Photographer B. Because clients see themselves in those stories. They feel the transformation. And this is why your photographs have to be more than just pretty pictures. They have to carry emotional meaning. So what action steps can you take to turn things around? How do you put all of this into practice? Here are three steps: Ask better questions before every shoot.Ask your clients how they want to feel when they look at their pictures, confident, powerful, relaxed. This sets the tone and reminds them that you care about more than just how they look. You care about them and how they feel. When it comes to posting your work, show stories, not just images. Share the emotional outcome of your sessions. Instead of “Look at this pretty picture,” say: “This is Sarah. She came in doubting herself, but left feeling beautiful for the first time in years.” That kind of message resonates. Connect with words. Your captions, your website, your conversations, these matter just as much as your portfolio. They build trust, show empathy, and tell clients why they should choose you above everybody else. Here’s the takeaway for today: Pretty photos will get people to pause, but transformation is what makes people book. If you want to stand out in today’s busy photography world, you have to deliver and communicate more than just images. You have to deliver meaning, confidence, and an experience your clients will never forget. Now, here’s the truth,  you already have everything you need to do this. You don’t need fancier gear. You don’t need to wait until you are “good enough.” You just need to start connecting with your clients on a deeper level. Because when people feel seen, they don’t just become clients, they become your biggest advocates. I hope this episode hit home for you. I know there are many photographers who are struggling today,  in their own heads about how to fix it. You are not alone. I made this podcast just for you. If you found value today, share this episode with another photographer who you know needs this reminder. Together, we can raise the standard for what photography means. I want to close with this today: Pretty pictures are everywhere. But the way you make people feel, that’s rare. That’s your superpower. Thank you for coming today. I’ll be back here every week with tips and help to help you break through all the noise. If you like this episode, do me a favor, leave a five-star review and tell a friend. And make sure you come back every single week. I know what it feels like to struggle. I’ve been there, and I know how to help you break past all of that. You are not by yourself. Don’t give up. Just come back here next week, and let’s help you break through your struggles. I am photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, saying  Always dream big. Bye for now.   Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.It’s designed to help you attract more of your ideal clients and turn conversations into paid sessions.Grab your free copy here:https://www.freephotohelp.com/WEBSITES MENTIONEDGrab Your Free Guide: 10 High-Converting Messaging Lines to Land More Clientshttps://www.freephotohelp.com/Aretha Cool – On Sale at Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXYMatthew Jordan Smith Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith

Social Media, Is It Helping You Book Clients or Just Helping You Compare Yourself? Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. Now today, before we dive in, if you are struggling as a photographer, struggling to book clients and aren't sure what to say to actually make people want to hire you, grab my free guide, Words That Win Clients. It's going to help you communicate your value with words that connect emotionally and inspire action. I know what it is like to struggle and not be sure what to say. Well, this guide is here to help you. Let's talk about social media. On the surface, it's a marketing tool, but for many photographers, it's also become a comparison trap that leaves you feeling behind, invisible, or not good enough. You know what I'm talking about. So many photographers struggle with this by comparing themselves to others. Here's the big question. Is the time you spend on social media actually leading to bookings or just more self-doubt? Let's unpack this by starting with a key distinction: Performing for peers versus speaking to potential clients. There's a big difference. Most photographers are just posting what other photographers will admire, sharp images, creative lighting, trendy poses. But photographers aren't hiring you. You need to talk to your clients, your potential clients. But get this, your potential clients aren’t trained in visual trends. They're looking at your content, your pictures, asking: Will this person make me feel comfortable? Will I like how I look? Will I feel beautiful? Will I feel confident? Will they see me? In the world of photography, we get lost behind the tech, behind making pictures look great for other photographers. I want you to stop that today and think about your potential client. If you are posting only for likes or peer approval, you often end up invisible to the people who are most likely to book you. Let's move into another trap, thinking that likes equal bookings. I learned this one a long time ago. Likes mean nothing when it comes to actually making money. The likes don't matter. They don't. You can have a thousand likes and not one inquiry for booking, or you can have five likes and three new clients when you are targeted to your potential clients. Why? Because trust and transformation don't happen on the explore page. They happen when someone feels understood by what you say, when they feel like your photo experience is built just for them. Remember, your client is thinking about what they want, and you have to think the same way. If this is resonating with you and you want to learn how to speak in a way that attracts more of the right clients, my free guide Words That Win Clients is full of actual phrases you can use on your website, in your emails, and in your DMs. I made this guide just for you because I know what it feels like not to know what to say. I got your back. Now let's talk about ROI, return on investment. You are investing your time, your energy, and emotion into social media, and that can be draining. Now, what are you getting back? If the answer is stress, comparison, and low inquiries, it is time to realign. Here's a practical shift. Instead of asking, "What should I post?" ask, "How can I make someone feel seen today?" Think about them. That little shift can change everything. I hear so many photographers talking about, “Well, nobody's seeing me, me, me, me. Nobody likes me. My pictures aren't being seen.” Change it. Stop thinking about you and think about your potential clients. This shift, again, can change everything. And it's simple. Just think, how can I make someone feel seen today? That one question will transform your content from noise to magnetism. Also, consider this: you don't have to be on social media every day. You can build word of mouth, referrals, email, and even small in-person events. Social media is one path, but it's not the only one. And if it's draining your confidence, and for many people I know it is, it's doing more harm than good. If today's episode helped you release some stress, some pressure around social media, I'd love for you to share it with a photographer who's suffering or struggling. We all have friends who are. You are not behind. You're just one clarity shift away from momentum. All right. Until next week, always dream big. Bye for now.   Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.It’s designed to help you attract more of your ideal clients and turn conversations into paid sessions.Grab your free copy here:https://www.freephotohelp.comWEBSITES MENTIONEDGrab Your Free Guide: 10 High-Converting Messaging Lines to Land More Clientshttps://www.freephotohelp.comAretha Cool – On Sale at Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXYMatthew Jordan Smith Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith

Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Matthew Jordan Smith. If you are a photographer who's ready to move from hustle and uncertainty into clarity, confidence, and consistent bookings, you are in the right place, my friend.  In today's episode, we're diving into the three most powerful questions to ask a client   Before you photograph them.  Now these questions aren't icebreakers. They're transformation triggering conversations that build connection, clarity, and create photo experiences   That leave your client saying, wow, about the pictures and about you.  Maybe you are wondering, Matthew, why do pre-session questions even matter? Well.  I think it's very important to spend some time asking questions before you ever put a camera in front of anybody's face. Number one,  it is going to make your client feel seen,  make them understand that you care.  And here's the important part. It's going to uncover emotion, stories and intention, not just talking about outfits and poses.  Pre-session questions. Also set expectations  , So your client gets a picture in their head what to expect. This is very powerful if you do it the right way.  Let's go into question number one.  Try asking this. What feeling do you want to walk away with after this shoot is over?  Lemme just break this question down for you so you understand why it matters. It shifts the conversation from logistics to emotion.  And what you're gonna learn from this question is, are they seeking confidence, nostalgia. Feminine strength, professional pose. This question uncovers a lot.  You can use this question during your photo session to create the energy, the light, the posing, the lighting, the feedback.  You shift everything based on their answer. Now are you starting to understand why asking questions before the shoot matters and we're only at question number one?  Number two gets even deeper.  What would you like others to see or feel when they look at your pictures? This is another big one. It taps into narrative. It taps into purpose and the positioning.  This type of question helps you guide the styling, the expression, the context of your photo shoot.  It may also reveal something about your client. Are they celebrating a life milestone, a birthday, a brand identity? A family bond.  For example, a client who's trying to shoot for their brand, wants to show authenticity and approachability. Which will guide the wardrobe, the props, and the shooting mood.  A client who's celebrating a birthday, that's a totally different situation.  They want to show that they're celebrating this, this milestone of turning 50 or whatever, turning 20.  It is all in asking the right questions.  Now number three. This is a very important one, and I just went through this with a client.  What scares you the most about this photo shoot?  Why is this one powerful?  This question unveils fears, nerves they might be having about the photo shoot, if they're nervous about looking awkward, if they're nervous to be in front of the camera or.  Or maybe they have disappointing expectations. You need to know all this before the photo shoot. When you acknowledge and alleviate that fear, you build trust and safety instantly. This is a very important question. They may say something like, I'm worried I'll look stiff.  So you weave in playful prompts, movement, more encouragement.  Fear is a big one. So I wanna share a story with you. The very first time I photographed Samuel L. Jackson, he got in front of the camera. And he told me, I hate taking pictures. Now imagine this, we're talking about the man who's in every movie you've probably ever seen. I know Sam's in in so many movies and you think he would be comfortable being in front of the still camera, but I asked him why, like, no, you are in every single movie ever made.  You are in front of the camera all the time doing movies left and right. How can you hate having your picture taken? And he said to me, well, when I'm doing a movie, I'm playing a character. I have my lines. And you are never looking directly into the camera unless it's a comedy.  I never thought about that before, but he's right. You don't see an actor looking into the camera. They're playing a role. It's like the camera's not there, the still camera is very different. They're looking directly into the camera. So maybe you're wondering what I did.  I said, okay, let's play a game. I know all your movies. I'll say a movie and you turn into that character. It became a game during the shoot, but it was fun for not just me and Sam, but for everybody on the set. As we all start remembering movies, I'm sure right now you are probably thinking about different movies that he's been in.  The images from that shoot, and this is like back in the nineties. They are timelessly beautiful. This is one of the shoots that help me start asking those questions. You find out a lot.  Asking the right questions can calm a nervous client and turn them into someone who , relaxes and ends up laughing about the shoot. And guess what? All the fear, they forget all about it. Just like Samuel Jackson did.  So what do you need to do before your next shoot? Ask these three powerful questions. When you have these answers, weave them into your pre-shoot planning. Use them to structure the session energy. You are in charge of that.  Use them during your conversation in the photo shoot.  This build's trust. They feel seen, deeply seen. And guess what? It helps you build a consistent client.  Now you've just heard three game changing questions  that will immediately elevate your client sessions.  These questions align perfectly with what I teach in photography breakthrough system.  If you are curious to learn more, follow me on Instagram. I post daily.  There you'll learn more and have opportunities to join my email list and find out even more  You'll find me on Instagram under Matthew Jordan Smith.  Oh, and do me a favor. If you use these three questions, leave me a comment  and let me know how it changed your photo shoot.  All right. Thank you for your time today. I hope you learned a lot. I hope you feel inspired, and I hope you come back next week. If you love this podcast, do me a favor, tell your friends and leave a comment and a five star review. It helps other photographers find this podcast.  Thank you again for your time.  Bye for now.     Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.It’s designed to help you attract more of your ideal clients and turn conversations into paid sessions.Grab your free copy here:https://www.freephotohelp.com/WEBSITES MENTIONEDGrab Your Free Guide: 10 High-Converting Messaging Lines to Land More Clientshttps://www.freephotohelp.com/Aretha Cool – On Sale at Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXYMatthew Jordan Smith Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith  

Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast.  Where we turn your photography into more than just a photo shoot. We turn it into an experience that people never forget.  Hi, I'm photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, and today's episode might sound dramatic at first, but I promise it's the heart of everything I teach.  Today we're talking about how to design a photo experience that makes people cry. And yes, I mean that in the best, most beautiful way. You see when your clients become emotional, either during the photo shoot or after your session, something powerful has happened. They've seen a version of themselves that's finally true, and that moment is the one they never stop talking about.  Let's get into it.  This episode is really so important. I think emotion is probably the most important, most powerful marketing tool that you have. Now, here's the truth. Your clients won't remember the camera you use. They won't remember the lighting setup you used. They won't remember your aperture settings or your presets.  They don't care about that stuff. They'll remember how they felt in your presence. What it felt like to be around you, what it felt like for you to photograph them.  And they'll remember the moment they saw their image and said, that's me. I had no idea I could look like that. When a client cries, becomes emotional, it's not just about the photo, it's about recognition. It's about coming home to themselves,  and that is the kind of emotional moments that create loyalty, referrals and life long clients. I can't say this enough. I've been shooting for 38 years and I shot all over the world. I began my career in New York. Moved to LA for a while, and now the last nine years I've been living in Japan. This works everywhere.  Now. What makes people become emotional? And I mean that in a good way. Let's break it down.  Clients open up and become emotional when they feel fully seen without judgment,  when they're met with compassion and presence, not performance.  They become emotional when they realize their story, their softness, their strength is beautiful,  and they feel safe enough to let go of the mask. Yes. Most people walk around with a mask every day hiding who they truly are.  But if you do your job right, the mask comes off. This is about energy. You're not just photographing a body, you are witnessing a soul right in front of your eyes, right in front of your lens.  And the more present you are, the more visible they feel. This my friend, is what makes your work unforgettable. I  this kind of photo session, it doesn't just happen by accident. It is something you have to design.  Ask deeper questions, go beyond what are you wearing?  Here's an example of a great question. Is there anything you've been through that you want to honor today? Now, this question may bring out a lot. Maybe your client has overcome cancer or coming out of a divorce.  These types of questions open emotional doors.  As you're talking, slow down. Look them in the eyes and speak gently.  Show them with your tone. And with your body language that you care. It's not just about taking pictures.  Reflect what you see. Become their mirror. When you reflect their truth without trying to fix or flatter, it hits directly. It lands deep.  Now you don't want to rush any of this. Like Michael Jackson said, let it simmer.  And if they cry, let them hold space. Offer a tissue.  Say something like, I see you.  That's what this was always about.  Don't apologize for their emotion. Let it breathe  because that moment. Is the one they're going to carry forever.  Now, why does this change your business in a good way? You don't have to work harder, you don't have to shout louder.  You just have to go deeper. When your sessions move people emotionally, everything changes. They begin to refer you to all their friends, all their colleagues. You see, you've created trust. They need you because you're not just another photographer. You are the one who saw them. I photographed Aretha Franklin for the last 13 years of her career.  Why did she hire me the second time and third time and fourth time  she felt seen? She felt that she could trust me. And yes, she referred me to all her friends. That's the kind of business that grows. That's the kind of work that lasts.  This is the 10th episode.  And to celebrate, I'm putting my latest book, Aretha Cool On Sale.  You can find it on Amazon.  But I first wanna share something special.  There were many times, as I photographed Aretha, where people became emotional in the shoot. And I'm not just talking about Aretha herself, but everybody in the room.  These moments are special and no one forgets them.  I was doing a shoot with Aretha once. We were in New York City and I'm playing her music whenever I shot her in the studio. I always played her music. I always played my favorite Aretha Franklin songs. Well anyway, we're doing the shoot and one of my favorite songs comes on now I'm doing a tight portrait of her, so I'm like four feet in front of her, and as this song plays, she begins to hum along as I'm shooting.  And before I know it, I'm humming along with her. I didn't mean to, but it just came out. She starts singing right there. She's four feet in front of me. I get goosebumps all over as I'm shooting and as I'm shooting, I begin to sing along. I just felt it. I was caught up in the emotion of the moment, but out of the blue, she stops code and she looks at me and she says, Jordan, baby, don't sing.  Now, this was an embarrassing emotional moment for me because the entire room burst out laughing. I mean, all her bodyguards, the hair, the makeup, the stylist, even my assistance and yes, Aretha herself, they're all laughing. We're all caught up in the moment. I'm still shooting, by the way. And ah, that was an emotional.  Funny moment that I and everybody in the room will never, ever forget. If you want to see those pictures and so much more of those 13 years of us working together, get your copy now on Amazon. If you wanna see those special moments, go to Amazon right now and order your copy of Aretha.  Cool. It's the last 13 years of her life in pictures, including her last official photo shoot. To celebrate today being the 10th episode, the book is on sale.  So you see emotions can run the gamut from being extremely happy.  To even the photographer being embarrassed. All of this is powerful and sacred,  if you agree with any of this, do me a favor. Leave a five star review  on today's podcast. It helps get this message across to more photographers like you.  Also make sure you subscribe so you never miss a weekly episode.  And then jump on over to Instagram and make sure you follow me at Matthew Jordan Smith. I'd love to hear  how you're bringing all this information to your photo shoots.  Remember, this isn't just about taking pictures. It's about giving people back to themselves. Thank you for listening. I'm Matthew Jordan Smith.  Always dream big. Bye for now.  Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.It’s designed to help you attract more of your ideal clients and turn conversations into paid sessions.Grab your free copy here:https://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/10-high-converting-messaging-linesWEBSITES MENTIONEDGrab Your Free Guide: 10 High-Converting Messaging Lines to Land More Clientshttps://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/10-high-converting-messaging-linesAretha Cool – On Sale at Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXYMatthew Jordan Smith Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith  

Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast.  the space where we break free from fear and step into the kind of photography business that brings both impact and income. I'm your host photographer, Matthew Jordan Smith, and today's episode might shake up what you think you know about why clients aren't booking you.  Here's the truth. If you are getting ghosted, if inquiries aren't converting, and if your counter is still full of holes, no matter how often you post, it's not just about your pricing and lowering your rates. That's often the worst move you can make. Today I'm pulling back the curtain on what's really going on.  Too many photographers assume price is the problem because it's the most visible piece of the puzzle, but most clients don't decide based on price alone. They decide based on perceived value and emotional connection.  If clients can't see the why behind your work  or don't feel a personal connection to the experience you are offering, they'll either ghost you or go elsewhere. People don't buy the cheapest photographer. They buy the one who makes them feel something  when they see your work.  So what's actually blocking bookings? , Keeping you from getting those jobs.  Here's what often drives the silence behind the scenes, unclear messaging. If your website or social feed says photography for everyone, it actually speaks to no one. Clients are looking for someone who feels like the right fit for them, not just anyone with a camera.  So why will they book you? You've got to give them a reason. Maybe there's a lack of an emotional hook.  Most photographers are selling a product. The pictures instead of a feeling or transformation through your images or through the photo shoot.  When that happens, that means there's nothing memorable or magnetic pulling clients toward you.  Let me dive into a few other things that are causing clients not to book you if the booking process is confusing. If it's vague pricing  Or it's not showing the next step, clearly you've already lost. If people have to guess, they bounce.  They go elsewhere.  What's really important, also, you have to build trust.  Clients today don't just need to like your photos. They need to trust you with their image. You have to understand how important this is.  For the last 38 years, I've been working with the biggest celebrities on the planet,  Oprah, George Lucas,  Angelina Jolie, Zendaya,  the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. Trust me.  Trusting the right photographer with their image is extremely important, that's just not about celebrity. That's everybody.  When they hire you, they are trusting you with their image.  And if they can't feel that trust, even subconsciously, they won't move forward.  Now. Here's the shift to start thinking about. Instead of showcasing your camera skills, highlight the experience your client will have.  Make your messaging all about them, not just your portfolio.  Try talking to one specific type of person and watch how things change and grow.  Don't just post pretty photos, post stories, post meaning, post emotion.  Get out of your head and follow your heart,  because clients aren't just buying images. They're buying how you make them feel about themselves.  I want to thank you for being here today, and if today's episode gave you a new way to think about photography and getting clients, I'd love your support.  Go ahead and leave a five star rating and a review. And don't forget, follow me on Instagram. I'm under Matthew Jordan Smith for more inspiration behind the scenes and updates on something really amazing that's about to take place.  Now,  remember this, when you stop chasing clients and start attracting the right ones, . Everything in your business shifts.  You are not alone. I've got your back. Make sure you come back next week for more juice. I look forward to seeing you next week. Until then, always dream big. Bye for now.  Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.It’s designed to help you attract more of your ideal clients and turn conversations into paid sessions.Grab your free copy here:https://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/10-high-converting-messaging-linesWEBSITES MENTIONEDGrab Your Free Guide: 10 High-Converting Messaging Lines to Land More Clientshttps://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/10-high-converting-messaging-linesAretha Cool – On Sale at Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXYMatthew Jordan Smith Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith

If you are trying to please everyone, you are actually pleasing no one. Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I.  where we turn fear and burnout into confidence. And consistent clients I'm Matthew Jordan Smith, photographer and your inspirational host. And today we're talking about something that might just unlock that next level of your photography. Letting go of trying to please everyone. I, if your marketing feels scattered, your bookings feel unpredictable. And you're constantly adjusting your prices or your style to fit what you think people want. This episode is for you. If you are a photographer is a good chance. You've heard the term niche down. But this is more than just about your genre of photography. The deeper issue is. Photographers often try to be liked by everyone because they're afraid of not being booked at all. So they'll take everything that comes to them. If someone says, oh, can you photograph my car? Sure. Can you photograph my children? Sure. Can you do babies? Absolutely. Can you do weddings? I'll do it. Can you do flowers? You get the idea. Any and every job that comes your way, you're going to take it because you are afraid of not being booked at all. Sadly, this is common, but listen closely. When you water yourself down to appeal to everyone, you blend in, you become a commodity. All that leads to is undercharging, unclear messaging clients who don't respect boundaries and burnout. If your brand is for everyone, it speaks to no one. You have to niche down. So how do you find the clients that love you? Well, let's first talk about your past clients, who gave you that right energy, who raved about their experience. I want you to stop for a second and just think about that. Think about all your past clients. Who raved about their experience working with you? What did they value most about your photography? These are important questions that you need to ask yourself next. Define what you actually stand for as a photographer. What's your deeper why? What kind of transformation are you offering? That's right. I didn't say pictures. Transformation. Maybe it's helping women feel beautiful after a breakup or capturing real laughter in chaotic family life. As a photographer, you need to create clarity. Let people know who it's for and who it's not for. It's okay to say no. Let's go through a few examples. This is for the woman who never felt photogenic before. Think about how powerful that is. For the woman who has never felt photogenic. Yes. I want that to simmer for a second. This is not. For someone who's just looking for those cookie cutter school portraits, let your personality show talk, like you would to your dream client in real life. Your quirks, your voice, your approach. That's what builds emotional resonance. So what happens when you do this? You attract clients who are pre-sold on you, no convincing needed. Word of mouth improves because people now know how to describe you and what you do as a photographer, you can raise your prices with less resistance because people want what you have. It's not cookie cutter. And your work gets stronger because you are in your creative zone more often, doing what you love, doing what you do best. , You go from just another photographer to someone. Clients connect with who they trust and who they remember. This is how you make a  transformation in the minds of your clients. And your new potential clients. Now, if you're ready to stop feeling like you have to twist yourself into a different shape for every inquiry, this is your permission to let that go. The more you are you, the more magnetic your business becomes. The more chance you go from having a hobby to having a real business, stop trying to please everyone. Be deeply for someone, the right someone. That's how you get clients to love you and who talk about you to everyone else. If this episode hit home, give it a five star review. It helps photographers like you find this podcast. And I'd love to hear from you. So do me a favor, jump on over to Instagram. You'll find me under my name, Matthew. That's with two T's, Matthew Jordan Smith. Follow me there and let me know what you thought about this episode. I'd love to hear from you and love to connect. When you do follow. I'll share a lot more helpful content behind the scenes content, and more tips to help you have a stronger presence as a photographer. I want to thank you for your time. Thank you for being here. Please share the love, tell a friend. We are all on this journey together. All right, until next week, always dream big. Bye for now.Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.It’s designed to help you attract more of your ideal clients and turn conversations into paid sessions.Grab your free copy here:https://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/10-high-converting-messaging-linesWEBSITES MENTIONEDGrab Your Free Guide: 10 High-Converting Messaging Lines to Land More Clientshttps://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/10-high-converting-messaging-linesAretha Cool – On Sale at Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXYMatthew Jordan Smith Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith

Do you have friends who love talking about camera gear? I know I do, and I'm sure you do too. You're gonna love this episode.  Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast.  Where we go way beyond gear talk. And get to the root of what makes your photography business not only work but thrive. I'm photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, and today's episode is especially for those who love to talk about gear,  we've all heard it. Maybe I just need a new camera or a new lens. Or maybe if I upgrade my gear, then I'll get more clients. Or once I get that new lens business will finally pick up.  I've heard it all, and I must admit at one point I was guilty of the same thing, wanting the latest, greatest, the newest shiny object. Does any of that sound familiar? If you are a portrait photographer, wedding photographer, headshot photographer, personal branding, photographer, boudoir, you name it, if you photograph people and you're looking for real ways to grow your photography business, stand out in the crowd, attract more paying clients.  This episode is made just for you.  I know this from experience, gear obsession can be a real distraction and a real problem. Let's start today with some really hard truths. Buying new gear is easier than fixing your client experience. Cameras, lenses, lights, they're fun. They're amazing. They're tangible. They feel like progress. And don't get me wrong, great tools do matter.  But they are not why your clients book you. In fact, some of the most successful, consistently booked photographers I know don't even own the latest gear. They own something else. They know how to make people feel something. They create an experience that builds trust, confidence, and yeah, there's word of mouth.  That my friend is what you really need. You don't need the latest, greatest camera gear, lighting gear, tools. You need the ability to make someone say, that was the first time I actually felt comfortable in front of somebody's lens.  You see when they say that you didn't just take a headshot, you help somebody show up differently. That is what people pay for.  So why are most photographers staying stuck these days? So many talented photographers invest heavily in gear master lighting setups, master posing, build slick websites, , but struggle to get clients. Why? Because they've never been taught how to connect emotionally with the people in front of their lens. You know how to shoot, you know how to edit, but do you know how to create an experience that clients can't stop talking about?  That's the missing link between skill and income.  So what do you really need? Let me give it to you straight.  What you need more than another piece of equipment is emotional intelligence, client presence, confidence that transfers to your subject. And the ability to see someone fully and help them feel seen, that's the kind of experience that keeps your calendar full.  And yes, this applies to men and women, but this isn't about being emotional. It's about being intentional. It's about understanding that  your photographs are only as powerful as the experience you give people when you create them.  So how do you create those kind of experiences that people talk about? Let's talk real business. Now. When you create a shoot that makes your clients feel confident, seen and respected, you don't have to fight for bookings anymore. Why? Because people talk about it. They remember how you made them feel.  They refer you to their network. And they come back.  Your work starts to carry a reputation that marketing can't touch. That's how you grow, not by shouting louder, but building deeper. Deeper connections.  Maybe you're wondering how you can start today, how you start building this kind of experience. Here's your action plan. Stop hiding behind gear. Your gear is fine. You are enough right now.  Instead, focus on your clients. Ask your next client before the shoot. What do you want to feel when you look at these images?  However they answer. Let your shoot be built around that feeling. Pay attention to how they carry themselves when they walk in the door. Are they nervous? Are they feeling rushed, insecure? Your calm presence sets the tone. Speak to what you see, reflect back strength, pride, confidence.  Try saying you look like someone who knows who they are  when you do this. Your work becomes magnetic.  So he is the real message for today. You don't need new camera gear.  You need to become the kind of photographer people remember.  That's what grows your business. That's what sets you apart.  That's what makes you valuable in a sea of shooters. And the best part, you can start right now. No upgrades required.  Yes, I know. So many photographers have gear lust. We all love those bright, shiny objects. I'm guilty of it too. But if this episode gave you a new perspective, do me a favor. Leave a five star review. It helps more photographers discover this podcast, subscribe so you never miss a new weekly episode.  And follow me on Instagram. You'll find me under Matthew Jordan Smith. I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today's episode.  Remember this, your camera is just a tool. Your lights are just a tool, but you, you are the real magic.  I want you to build the kind of business. That last one, powerful experience at a time. Alright? Until next week, always dream big bye for now.     Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.It’s designed to help you attract more of your ideal clients and turn conversations into paid sessions.Grab your free copy here:https://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/10-high-converting-messaging-linesWEBSITES MENTIONEDGrab Your Free Guide: 10 High-Converting Messaging Lines to Land More Clientshttps://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/10-high-converting-messaging-linesAretha Cool – On Sale at Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXYMatthew Jordan Smith Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith  

Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Matthew Jordan Smith. This is the place where we turn your lens into a source of confidence, healing, steady clients, and steady income. I'm so glad you are here. Today's episode may be one of the most personal ones yet. It's called, are You a Photographer or a Mirror? How to Reflect the Best in People. I want to invite you to sit with this, not just as a photographer, but as an artist, a human being, someone who holds the power to transform how people see themselves.  Let's begin today. The truth you already know, but maybe you haven't put it into words. \ Most people don't actually like having their photos taken. They come in already bracing for the worst, already holding shame, already carrying stories like I hate how I look in pictures. I know you've heard that. I've heard it so many times. Or maybe they're saying, please don't make me smile too big. I hate my teeth. Or I'm not photogenic. I've never been. If you are a photographer, you've heard all of these things, and I'm sure more than once. Now what they're really saying beneath all of this is this. I've never seen a version of myself I could love. They don't need another photo. They need a mirror. Now, what does that mean? Being someone's mirror doesn't mean flattery. It doesn't mean perfection or performance. It means being deeply present. It means seeing through the self-criticism that so many people have. And looking into the truth that's still there, looking for their strength, their softness, their radiance, really looking into their soul. When someone steps in front of your camera, you're not just capturing their image, you're holding space for them to see themselves differently. That's really what they want. To say, look, this is who you are, even if no one told you, even if you forgot. This is what makes people cry when they see their images. This is also what makes them come back. And this my friend, is what makes them refer you with words. Like She didn't just take my photograph. She reminded me who I am. Um, Now? How do you reflect the best in people? Here's how to get started before you shoot. Before you even lift your camera, ask yourself what's beautiful about this person that they may not know? Hold that thought like it's your camera. Let it shape your tone, your direction, your presence during your photo shoot, and keep that thought in your mind. What's beautiful about this person that they may not know that they don't see about themselves? Then speak what you see. Don't just say, oh, you look great. Say the way your eyes soften when you talk about your daughter. I see you love her. Or there's a strength in your posture right now. Hold that that's real. You see, when your words reflect truth, the truth that you see that they may not see themselves, your lens doesn't have to do all the work. The person begins to shift right in front of you. And you shift too, you start photographing their energy and not just their face. Try this out on your next shoot. Ask real questions while you're doing the photo shoot. Something like, tell me about something you are proud of, or what's one part of you that you're learning to love or something like this? What's something you wish people saw in you? You'll be surprised by the answers. As a matter of fact, their face will change with the answer. Their body will soften, and in that moment when you take that picture. It is not just a picture. You're capturing their truth and yours too. If you've never done this before, yes, it may feel uncomfortable. But here's the business part of all this. When someone feels seen, they remember it. They return, they tell their friends, not just she takes great pictures, but she showed me a version of myself I didn't know was there. You shift in people's mind. You're not just a a service provider. You become a chapter in their healing, a witness to their becoming. Have you ever read that book by Viola Davis Finding me? This is how you help people find themselves. This is how you become booked with without begging. This is how your name spreads in rooms. You are not even in. This is how your work becomes alive. Now, I know this is not for everybody, but maybe it's for you. If you've ever felt like you were meant for something deeper with your photography than this is for you. If you're tired of chasing trends or being just another option, this is for you. If you know your photo sessions have the power to shift people, but you weren't sure how to access that fully, this is made just for you. This is your path. You are not just a photographer. You are the mirror, the reflection, and you're someone who reflects the best in people, not through flattery, but through truth. And when you do that consistently, intentionally, and with love. People feel it. Your business is going to grow in a way that feels right. I know I've given you a lot today, but this is the question I'll leave with you today. What version of your client are you reflecting? Are you reflecting their fears or their fire, their insecurities or their essence? Let your next photo session be your mirror. When that shows them how radiant they really are.  Now if this episode moved you, helped you reframe the way you think about photography, or gave you a new sense of purpose, do me a favor, leave a five star review. It helps more photographers find this kind of support. Subscribe, so you never miss a new episode and come connect with me on Instagram at Matthew Jordan Smith. I had love to hear how you felt about this episode. I want to leave you with this today. When you become a mirror, a true kind, powerful mirror, you don't just build a business, you change lives. And really, that's what you were always meant for. And to be truthful, that's what we're all meant for.  Until next week. Bye for now. Always dream big.   Before you go, I’ve got a free resource for you , my “10 High-Converting Messaging Lines” guide.It’s designed to help you attract more of your ideal clients and turn conversations into paid sessions.Grab your free copy here:https://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/10-high-converting-messaging-linesWEBSITES MENTIONEDGrab Your Free Guide: 10 High-Converting Messaging Lines to Land More Clientshttps://www.photographybreakthroughsystem.com/10-high-converting-messaging-linesAretha Cool – On Sale at Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXYMatthew Jordan Smith Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith