How to Scale to Multiple Six-Figures as A Family Photographer

by D'Arcy Benincosa

In this episode, Bridget Wood and D’Arcy chat about the stept that took Bridget from a struggling creative to a thriving, multi-six figure family photographer and educator. They dive into defining your target audience, figuring out your niche, and dialing in the customer experience. Hit play!

Meet Bridget Wood:

Bridget Wood, is a sought after Australian portrait photographer who has captured the hearts of many families around the world. Her work has graced the pages of renowned publications such as Vogue, Elle, Conde Nast Traveller, Mother Mag and Rangefinder to name a few. Fueled by an unwavering passion for making motherhood visible, Bridget goes beyond the art of only capturing moments that show you exist but tell a story of how you loved. Her work has been described as timeless, emotive and romantic and her favourite moments are the in between. For the past 3 years, Bridget has also taught other photographers how to forge sustainable and lucrative businesses. With a profound focus on self-worth, systems, strategy, service, and sales, she guides her student’s towards success and building a business they love. Her dedication to her craft has garnered widespread recognition, taking her to Europe and the USA for photography assignments and speaking engagements and when she is not doing all of that she is living on the land with.

As a budding family photographer, the initial instinct is often to work with any client that comes your way. However, as you progress in your career, you’ll realize the importance of refining your approach.

3 steps to becoming a thriving family photographer:

1. Defining Your Dream Client Profile:

To truly excel as a family photographer, it’s essential to refine your target audience. Start by analyzing your portfolio and identifying the type of families and individuals that resonate with your work. Pay attention to the language you use when describing your services and ensure it aligns with your dream clients’ preferences and values. By understanding your ideal audience, you can tailor your marketing efforts and attract the clients who appreciate your unique style.

2. Determining Your Niche:

Overcoming the fear of narrowing down your focus is crucial to establishing yourself as a sought-after family photographer. Remember that choosing a niche doesn’t mean limiting yourself forever. Just like successful companies such as Apple and Uber, start by specializing in one specific aspect of family photography and gradually expand from there. By honing your expertise, you position yourself as an expert in your chosen niche, allowing you to command higher rates and attract clients seeking specialized services.

3. Ensuring an Exceptional Client Experience:

Creating a memorable client experience is key to building a strong reputation and fostering client loyalty. Begin by connecting with potential clients through an actual call to establish a personal connection and understand their unique requirements. Streamline your processes to make them as effortless as possible, from booking to delivery. Put yourself in your clients’ shoes and envision the experience they desire. Ask yourself if they would prefer a rushed mini session or a relaxed and enjoyable session that allows for genuine moments to unfold. Strive to be selective and focus on delivering a curated collection of high-quality images that truly capture the essence of their family, instead of offering hundreds of images they’ll have to sift through on their own.