You're Not a Photographer - You're a Salesperson! | The Raw Files
🎯 Episode Summary:In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa Joy sits down with business coach and photographer Joey T to expose a hard truth: most photographers are failing not because of their photos, but because they don’t understand sales. Joey unpacks his journey from psychology to photography to full-time entrepreneurship, revealing the common mindset traps photographers fall into and the strategies he uses to help them scale with purpose.You’ll get real talk on the emotional science behind pricing, the psychology of buying, and how storytelling—not spec sheets—is the secret to closing high-value clients. Whether you're 1 year or 10 years into your business, this episode will challenge how you view your worth, your client experience, and your next move.📌 Episode Highlights:1:23 – Joey’s journey: From psychology to photography to full-time coaching5:02 – Why Joey created Mosaic Creative (and how it helps photographers sell while they sleep)9:24 – The "steakhouse" pricing analogy and how photographers lose clients with cheap branding13:48 – The biggest thing photographers are missing in sales education14:19 – The psychology of value: Emotion first, logic later16:59 – What happens when clients sell themselves (and why YOU don’t need to push)22:03 – The power of storytelling in sales—and how to use it in every consultation23:44 – What separates a 5-year business from a 20-year oneLinks & Resources:Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.comVanessa's mastermind: https://bit.ly/photoinsidermmJoey T’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joeyt.mcrafted/Visit Vanessa's IG @vanessajoy and DM her "PHOTO MASTERMIND" to learn moreImagen AI: Get your 1500 FREE edits here https://imagenai.com/tips
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Digital Is Where Photos Go to Die | The Raw Files
✨ Episode Summary:In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa Joy chats with wedding photographer and business-savvy educator Jen Stitt. From being underpaid by a boss who shot everything on auto to building a thriving photography brand, Jen shares the behind-the-scenes journey of how she went from shooting anything for a paycheck to selling heirloom products that clients cherish forever.This episode dives deep into the real reason many photographers stay stuck: they're afraid to treat their passion like a real business. Jen brings humor, honesty, and wisdom as she talks about valuing your time, raising your profit margins, and why it's okay (and necessary) to say no to clients who aren’t a fit.🧠 Topic Highlights:1:07 – Jen’s first photography job (and everything NOT to do)4:23 – Her father-in-law’s advice that changed everything8:32 – The transition from hobbyist to business owner13:15 – Why photographers avoid selling prints (and how Jen overcame it)15:33 – How to price and offer products without scaring clients18:30 – How Jen presents 100-page albums for emotional upsells20:50 – The email trick that sets client expectations and protects your time20:58 – “Clients are like toddlers”—how to guide them with structure22:22 – Mistakes she made, including trying to be the right fit for everyone24:08 – The time a bride asked her to hold her dress while she peed 😂Links & Resources:Vanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.comVanessa's mastermind: https://bit.ly/photoinsidermmDM Vanessa “PHOTO MASTERMIND” on Instagram @vanessajoy to apply.Jen Stitt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelypairofstitts
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How to NOT be a Brand Shill | The Raw Files
Episode Summary:In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa Joy and Gary dive into the biggest mistakes photographers make and why most people in the industry are doing things completely wrong. They break down brand sponsorships, pricing struggles, and whether free shoots are ever worth it. Plus, they discuss RAW files, handling difficult clients, and common myths photographers still believe.Highlights:0:00 - Intro11:30 - The truth about brand sponsorships20:20 - How much do you make?32:35 - Posing same-sex couples39:30 - Growth has to be painful41:05 - Pricing struggle for photographers49:15 - What you should outsource58:35 - How to get likes and views on YouTube1:04:00 - Nobody watches business videosLinks & Resources:Water wells for Kenya: https://www.safariwildlifeandlandscape.comVanessa's education: https://breatheyourpassion.comVanessa's mastermind: https://bit.ly/photoinsidermmGary's education: https://hughesfioretti.com/education
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1:11:36
🚩 Red flags! When to TURN AWAY work
Episode Summary:Photographers talk a lot about spotting red flags in clients, but what about when photographers need to say no? In this episode, Vanessa Joy dives into the real, unspoken truth about turning down clients. From personality clashes to budget concerns and even those infamous "crazy eyes," learn how to spot warning signs before they become business nightmares. This episode isn't just about protecting your art—it’s about protecting your peace of mind and making sure your business thrives with the right clientele.What You’ll Learn: Why some wedding clients can be a bigger red flag than a bad photographer. The real reason photographers need to turn down certain clients. The types of clients that can lead to unrealistic expectations and chargeback nightmares. How to gracefully say no to a client without burning bridges. Why it’s okay to protect your mental health as a creative.Show Notes: [0:00] Not all bookings are good bookings—learn to spot the red flags early. [06:41] "Crazy eyes" might sound funny, but they’re often an indicator of trouble ahead. [07:14] Clients who stretch their budgets too far often have unrealistic expectations. [10:12] A personality clash can make a wedding day miserable for both parties. [11:23] Priorities matter: If a couple is focused on the wedding over the marriage, it may not be a good fit.Resources & Links: Follow Vanessa Joy on Instagram Join the Photo Insiders community for exclusive content and education, and Shadow A Pro for more in-depth behind the scenes of real weddings and engagements. Subscribe to The Raw Files for more industry insightsConnect with Us: Website: vanessajoy.com YouTube: Vanessa JoyRate & Review:If you loved this episode, let us know! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share it with a fellow photographer. Let’s keep the industry strong together!
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Is it luck?
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Raw Files, Vanessa answers a thought-provoking question about luck in business and discusses how preparation, mindset, and strategic thinking can help drive success. She shares insights on how photographers can better approach sales, challenges the concept of price-first thinking, and teaches how to sell the benefits rather than the features of what you offer.
Highlights:
00:05 The Role of Luck in Business
02:41 Rejection and Mindset
9:56 The Importance of Benefits Over Features
10:06 Sales and Mindset
10:30 Selling the Vacation, Not the Plane Ride
14:47 Upcoming Events and Mentorship Opportunities
Resources Mentioned:
To Sell Is Human (Book) – by Daniel H. Pink
Vanessa's Photography Mastermind (currently sold out, with a waiting list)
Upcoming Events:
Imaging USA – February 3-4, 2025, Dallas, TX
WPPI – March 2025, Las Vegas, NV
Listen to The Raw Files Podcast:
Tune in for more real talk on photography business, gear, trends, and mindset shifts that help you succeed in the visual world.
Connect with Vanessa:
Instagram: @VanessaJoy
Website: VanessaJoy.com
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