Here at NAPCP, it’s small business owners who are the heartbeat of our association. The purpose of our Video Library is to provide valuable insight and inspiration from experienced professionals in our industry — including expert interviews and highlights from our NAPCP Social Learning Hours — so that all of our businesses have the tools to thrive.
Over the years, our members have learned (and are still learning!) what works and what doesn’t — and we want to share those lessons with you.
Maybe your business is struggling and you’re barely making ends meet. Maybe you dream of breaking free from another job that’s holding you back from making photography your full-time profession. Or maybe you’re simply feeling stuck and need fresh ideas to make your business more profitable.
PAST VIDEOS
THE BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: VOLUME 1
Part one of our 5-part series with NAPCP co-founder Alice Park kicks off where every successful business begins—by legalizing it. Learn how to build the foundation your photography business needs to thrive.
THE BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: VOLUME 2
Part two of our 5-part series with NAPCP co-founder Alice Park dives into one of the most powerful tools you have—your brand. Learn why building a strong brand identity is essential for standing out, connecting with your clients, and setting your business up for lasting success.
THE BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: VOLUME 3
Part three of our 5-part series with NAPCP co-founder Alice Park focuses on marketing strategies that actually work. Discover how to attract the right clients, grow your visibility, and create a steady stream of business through smart, intentional marketing.
THE BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: VOLUME 4
Part four of our 5-part series with NAPCP co-founder Alice Park tackles one of the most important pieces of your business—pricing for profit. In this video, Alice shares how to shift your money mindset, implement smart pricing strategies, and ensure your business is built for long-term sustainability.
THE BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: VOLUME 5
Part one of our 5-part series with NAPCP co-founder Alice Park kicks off where every successful business begins—by legalizing it. Learn how to build the foundation your photography business needs to thrive.
HOSTING PROFITABLE STUDIO EVENTS
In the first part of this 2 part series, Alice Park shares the 5 strategies she uses to book the client and educate them about investing in photography.
AI INTEGRATION FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Heather Bienz takes you through how to incorporate and integrate different AI platforms into your photography business.
NAPCP SOCIAL – STRIKE A POSE
Join Louisa Villardi as she takes you through posing prompts to use with different clients during photography sessions.
5 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SENIOR AMBASSADOR PROGRAM LAUNCH
Learn about Kristie’s experience creating a successful senior spokesmodel program and hear tips on how to launch for the Class of 2020! Create a program that works, builds your business and brings income.
AWAKENING YOUR CREATIVITY THROUGH PERSONAL PROJECTS
Willy Wilson gives three tips for jogging your creative brain and getting yourself back in the artistic groove.
JULY PLANNING & 3 TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR FALL
The Fall is portrait photographers’ busiest time of the year, and Alice is sharing 3 easy tips in preparing now for all of it.
CONVERTING YOUR INQUIRIES INTO BOOKINGS
with crystal james
Get three tips for successfully booking most, if not ALL, of your new inquiries!
BIG PICTURE GOALS FOR 2017
Join Alice Park as she gives you an in-depth overview of how the NAPCP’s Marketing Planner works for her.
5 Big Business Turning Points
Join Alice Park chats about the 5 key turning points in her business and how each directly impacted her business.
IN-PERSON SALES I
In the first part of this 2 part series, Alice Park shares the 5 strategies she uses to book the client and educate them about investing in photography.
IN-PERSON SALES II
In the second part of this 2 part series, Alice Parkdemonstrates how she and her team conducts an in-person sales session in studio.
MOTHER’S DAY MARKETING
Join Alice Park shares 4 ideas to bringing additional revenue and opportunities to promote surrounding Mother’s Day.
SOCIAL MEDIA GOALS
In the first part of this 2 part series, Alice Park shares the 5 strategies she uses to book the client and educate them about investing in photography.
PITCHING TO THE MEDIA
Alice Park discusses successful pitch strategies she’s learned over the years and takes an in-depth look at NAPCP’s PR Media Toolkit.
FINDING CLIENTS IN ANOTHER CITY
Katie Rain gives 3 quick tips to help you market your business in a city that is not your current area.
3 TIPS FOR PARTNERING WITH A MEDICAL OFFICE
In this video, Rya Duncklee shares her top 3 tips for partnering with a medical office to boost your newborn photography business!
ACCOMPLISHING GOALS THROUGH AN ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP
Sarah Anthony discusses the power of using an accountability group to successfully accomplish your goals!
THE BENEFITS OF LEASING A COMMERCIAL SPACE
The Fall is portrait photographers’ busiest time of the year, and Alice is sharing 3 easy tips in preparing now for all of it.
THREE TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FRESH 48
with hannah drews eggert
Hannah Drews Eggert shares her best tips for marketing, client prop, and shot ideas for a fresh 48 session.
HOW TO RUN A SUCCESSFUL AND PROFITABLE MODEL CALL
Planning a model call this year? Heather Davidson-Meyn is sharing her methods to make your call successful and profitable!
5 STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL WOMEN’S HEADSHOT DAY EVENT
with heather crowder
Learn how to market, shoot and sell your first Women’s Headshot event and the logistics behind making the day a success!
IPS WITHOUT A STUDIO
Think you need a studio to succeed with in person sales? Courtney Goldman shares her solution to in-house in person sales (IPS).
MARKETING IMAGE COMPETITION WINS
Join Jennifer Kapala, of Jennifer Kapala Photographyas she shares her strategies for marketing image competition wins, and why they are great for your business.
GETTING STARTED IN COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Hannah Drews Eggert shares her best tips for marketing, client prop, and shot ideas for a fresh 48 session.
HOW A PHOTO CONTEST CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS
Join Lena Antaramian of Live Laugh Love Photos as she discusses her tips for running a successful photo contest and how it can help your business.
TEACHING CAMERA CLASSES TO PARENTS
Amy Tripple shares why teaching camera classes to parents isn’t just a short-term revenue booster, but a long-term way to grow your business!
BASIC TIPS FOR STYLING YOUR FLAT LAY IMAGES
Join Kristen Smith as she shows you how she styles flat lay images for marketing. Kristen will share what kind of materials to use to make a more interesting visual along with other basic styling tips.
SEPTEMBER MARKETING & 5 ESSENTIAL STUDIO POLICIES
Join Alice Park as she goes through her September marketing calendar and talks about 5 essential studio policies you should be implementing in your business.
WHY I LOVE IN-PERSON SALES (EVEN THOUGH I HATE SALES)
In Person Sales is a huge commitment in time and money. Is it really worth it? Jaye McLaughlin is sharing 5 reasons why she loves conducting In Person Sales as part of her all-inclusive lifestyle photography business model, and four of them have nothing at all to do with sales!
ALL ABOUT NAPCP
with crystal james
Crystal James, Marketing Director for NAPCP, talks about all the great benefits of being a NAPCP member. Learn more about how to make the most of your NAPCP membership.
ALL ABOUT HOLIDAY MINI SESSIONS
with lena antaramian
Lena Antaramian of Live Laugh Love Photos as she discusses how she uses holiday mini sessions to book her sessions calendar for the following year.
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS
In this segment Mary Grace Pingoy, of Jmotive Photography, shares some of her strategies for booking her ideal clients through Silent Auction Donations.
2018 NAPCP MARKETING PLANNING
Join Alice Park as she dives in to the 2018 Marketing Guide. Alice will walk you through the goal setting section of the guide as well as discuss what worked for her in 2017 and what her plans are for 2018. Get ready to rock your year!
BEING A BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHER IN A SMALL TOWN
In this Marketing Monday segment, Kimberly Tank of Kimberly Tank Art & Photography shares helpful tips on how to build your photography business in a small town using various marketing tools.
ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERSHIPS AND GOAL SETTING
with kimberly tank and willy wilson
In this Marketing Monday segment, Kimberly Tank of Kimberly Tank Art & Photography and Willy Wilson of Life Unstill Photography talk about having weekly meetings together has helped them advance their careers, build their businesses, and reach their goals.
GENERATING ADDITIONAL REVENUE WITH YOUR CURRENT CLIENTS
Join Cathi Nelson, founder of The Association of Personal Photo Organizers, as she shares ways you can earn additional revenue with your existing clients and new clients by offering services you have likely never considered.
SENDING NEWSLETTERS TO BRING IN MORE BUSINESS
Nobody likes writing newsletters but they can be a great business tool. Learning how to use newsletters to grow your business.
FREE HOLIDAY CARD MICRO MINIS FOR MARKETING
Offering FREE holiday card micro mini sessions as a marketing tool, as an upselling opportunity and as a way of treating your loyal clients like gold.
FINDING YOUR NICHE IN PHOTOGRAPHY
Do you struggle with finding your niche in photography? Amy Law from Little Stories – the Moment by Amy, is sharing her tips for finding your niche in creating your photography business!
PRICING FOR PROFIT
Join in for Part 2 of Liana Hall’s Marketing Monday series as she dives deep into pricing and helps you understand and adjust your pricing strategies so they are something you AND your clients are happy with.
WHAT IS PHOTOTEXTING?
Phototexting is a simple, effective, and innovative platform that will help you market and stay connected to your target client! Learn how you can use this amazing tool to grow your business.
FINDING YOUR INSPIRATION
with willy wilson
Willy Wilson, owner of Life Unstill Photography, is an inspiration to many photographers in the NAPCP community. Join Crystal James as she chats with Willy about how she discovered her style and continues to find inspiration for her work through personal projects. Willy talks about challenging herself to step outside her comfort zone as an artist in order to grow.
HOW TO USE MINI-SESSIONS TO FIND YOUR IDEAL CLIENT
Photographer and studio owner, Jennine Coosaia, of Sky 9 Studio shares her strategy for using limited edition pop-up photography events (aka mini sessions) to find her ideal client without undermining her existing high-end clientele.
GIVING YOUR GIFTS TO HELP OTHERS IN NEED
Ashley Jones lost her daughter to a terminal diagnosis, set out to help others through grief, and launched the nonprofit, Love Not Lost. Learn how helping others changed her life and how you can give your gifts to impact the world around you.
MAKE MORE MONEY – LEARNING THE MECHANICS AND MINDSET
Join Liana Hall as she shares industry facts, common small business money myths, the big equation, shifting your money mindset, and quick math to help you make more money!
NAPCP VIDEO INTERVIEW SERIES
Sarah Petty is a photographer, New York Times bestselling author, and the founder of the Joy of Marketing. Join us for this short video interview as Sarah discusses newborn marketing and how to attract the right clients, the clients who value what you do. The video includes Sarah’s top 3 action steps for listeners along with a complimentary 26-page Ultimate Guide to Marketing Newborn Photography PDF. Enjoy!
THE BUSINESS OF A WIN
So you won…now what? Jennifer Kapala is this year’s NAPCP Photographer of the Year and an industry mentor and business coach. In this interview, Jennifer takes us behind the scenes of her process and shares with our members all of the hard work and persistence that she implements to turn her wins into even bigger opportunities for her business. I asked her for tips on generating publicity and for advice for our members that want to capitalize on an achievement.
A BABY PLAN THAT WORKS
Join Crystal James as she talks with Rya Duncklee about her super successful baby plan that is so widely known in our community. Rya gives tips and tricks for making the most of your sessions along with some advice about incorporating video.
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
with sarah hebenstreit
Join Dana as she chats with Sarah Hebenstreit about photographing some of the best kids brands around the world. Sarah breaks down the costs involved in a commercial shoot and talks about what it’s like to submit a photography bid in a competitive market. If you’re intersted in stepping out to take on commercial assignments, this is a must-see!
WORK/LIFE BALANCE TIPS
Join in on this short film as we interview Emily Ley, Founder and Creative Director of Emily Ley and the Simplified Planner! In this NAPCP video interview, Emily discusses her best strategies for work/life balance as well as her philosophy on creating “white space” in your life as a creative, so that you can get back to doing what matters. Emily Ley’s story is so relateable and inspiring, so spend 30 minutes and learn her tips on how to best organize your home, and your life!
THE DIGITAL FILE DEBATE
with lori nordstrom and tara whitney
Ever wonder if selling digital images is the best business model for you? Or how wall collections and custom pieces can result in high average sales? NAPCP’s Photographer of the Year Dana Pugh hosts a discussion with two incredibly successful photographers with two very different approaches to digital files. Join Dana as she chats with Lori Nordstrom and Tara Whitney to learn how they model their businesses around their clients needs, their family life, and their studio goals. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, you won’t want to miss this!
LEGAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
with rachel brenke
Rachel Brenke is a photographer, a mother, AND a lawyer to boot! In this interview Rachel, aka the Lawtog, shares her expertise on a variety of common questions that she hears from photographers. In this interview we used questions taken right from our Member Forum, including contracts, copyright, liability, and more. You definitely need to grab your coffee and listen to this fantastic information!
SPECIALISTS VS GENERALISTS
with alicia caine
Alicia Caine has claimed her authority as a specialist while honing in on her ideal client in her marketplace. In this interview, Alicia shares with us the important differences between Generalists and Specialists and helps clarify the common myths associated with specialization. She has fantastic tips for overcoming the fear of specialization, and advice for our members that are looking to target a very specific clientele. Be sure to stay tuned for the ending!
ELEVATING IMAGERY FOR IMAGE COMPETITIONS
with dana pugh
Dana Pugh chats with NOLA winner and past judge Deb Schwedhelm about creating images that will stand out in Image Competitions. Deb gives us a fresh perspective on the importance of personal projects, setting your creative standards high, and putting that all together when selecting images to submit. If you’re looking for ways to make the most out of your next Image Competition experience, this is a must see!
LIVE PORTFOLIO REVIEW
with dan brouillette
Dan Brouillette, along with Jennifer Kapala, lead The NAPCP Retreat group through a live portfolio review and image critique session to help everyone get ready for the current Image Competition.
TIPS FOR INCORPORATING VIDEO
with summer murdock
Summer Murdock is a lifestyle photographer based in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is a mentor, teacher, and one of the brilliant creatives behind the The Sixty Second Photograph project. In this interview, Summer shares with us her best tips for those wanting to start incorporating video into their work. Summer has some great advice for our members just starting out with video, including what gear to start with and what not to do. Get ready for some serious creative inspiration!
STYLIZED SESSIONS
with shannon sewell
Shannon Sewell is making waves in the industry for her creative, stylized, out-of-the-box approach to capturing kids. She has a unique gift in building scenes that bring a child’s imagination to life. Join Dana as she chats with longtime friend Shannon Sewell about how she started, what inspires her, and how she pieces all of these wild shoots together!
BREAKING INTO THE SENIOR MARKET
with sarah lane
Sarah Lane created a marketplace where the seniors are lining up to book sessions with her. In this interview, Sarah shares with us how following her passion completely changed how she does business in the senior market. I asked her about the do’s and don’ts along the way and advice for our members that want to tackle this unique niche market. Sarah has some great tips for our members – and you’ll love the ending!
SEO BEST PRACTICES
with zach prez
Zach Prez, creator of Photography Spark, has authored dozens of ebooks for photographers, including an SEO Cookbook. In this interview he shares some of the most important things that you should be doing RIGHT NOW to improve your SEO. While there is no quick fix, there are simple things that, over time, will help you reach that sought-after page one of the google search! Grab your notebook and get ready for an information filled interview!
BACKING UP YOUR FILES
with rob lim
Are you overwhelmed with how to properly backup and store your images? Ever lose your files and vow to never allow yourself to be in that situation again? Dana Pugh chats with Rob Lim from Photography Concentrate about the in’s and out’s of creating a foolproof archival system. Full of lots of technical goodness, so be prepared!
CREATING STUDIO POLICIES
with alice park
Join Dana Pugh as she chats with NAPCP co-founder Alice Park on the importance of creating clear and specific studio policies for clients. This is the perfect conversation to tune into right before the busy Fall season!
HIRING A SALES CONSULTANT FOR YOUR STUDIO
with alice park
Have you been meaning to take that leap into in-person sales but just don’t have the time? Or are you currently conducting sales in person but would like to transition that role to someone else? Join Crystal James as she chats with NAPCP co-founder and photographer Alice Park about how she found the perfect Sales Consultant to join her team. She’ll chat about the steps she took to make this transition, how she selected the perfect girl, and how it’s impacted her business and client experience. Hurry, your sales are just waiting to be tripled!
ALL ABOUT MARKETING
with michele anderson
Dana Pugh chats with marketing guru Michele Anderson of Pinkletoes Photography about, you guessed it, marketing! Listen as Michele chats openly about setting yourself apart in a very saturated market, the importance of blogging, and how paying attention to the details can go along way with your clients. This video is a great discussion as your plan your marketing goals for the new year!
THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA
with christine pobke
Dana Pugh chats with the wonderful Christine Pobke of Pobke Photography about how she embraces all forms of social media and what platforms she uses most. Listen as Christine chats openly about pros and cons of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even your own personal blog. This video is a great discussion as you plan and strategize for the new year!
WORKING IN AN INTERNATIONAL MARKET
with lindsay silsby
Have you ever wondered about the world of photography internationally? In particular – in the UK? In this interview Lindsay Silsby of Pied Piper Photography shares her experience with creating, managing, marketing and running a photography business in England AND the United States! She also gives up a little secret about how she gets her clients to look so fashionable for their sessions! Watch for the BONUS in this interview (hint: it has something to do with a big discount) – so don’t miss it!
ABOUT IMAGE COMPETITIONS
with karen carey
Ever enter an Image Competition that did not pan out the way you anticipated? Or, are you hoping to enter for the first time in a coming Competition? Join Dana Pugh as she chats with expert judge Karen Carey on some of the key elements of successful Image Competition submission. Learn the difference between a client “wow” image and a high-scoring competition submission. Most importantly, learn about some of the fundamental reasons for entering. This discussion will really make you think about what you can take away from your next competition experience!
INSPIRATION & INNOVATION
with jeff shinabarger
Have you ever been STUCK in a creative process? Do you need to know how to make tough decisions and move forward with your business? Is your photography business more like a hobby? In this interview, Crystal James will talk with Jeff Shinabarger, Social Entrepreneur and founder of Plywood People, about these topics and more! He has been invited to speak to many corporations, universities, and even TedX! Jeff believes that “we will be known by the problems we solve,” and his insight is so inspiring!
CREATING DYNAMIC BLOG CONTENT
with anne simone
Have you ever been stumped when writing for your blog? What other creative things can you write about? How can you engage your readers? Anne Simone has some fabulous (and easy) tips for you in this interview!
MAXIMIZING YOUR SALES
with mara blom
Join Dana as she chats with successful studio owner and industry educator, Mara Blom Shantz, about Sales and how it relates to how we serve our clients. Mara explains how key it is to understand your numbers and choosing a business model that’s right for you and your clients. Mara and Dana also dive deep into every step of the sales process and how to maximize your client’s experience. This is a must-see for everyone hoping to refine their sales process.