Shows
Photo Happy HourBranding and AILet us know what you think about the podcast!Do you struggle with maintaining a consistent brand voice? One important benefit of incorporating AI like ChatGPT into your marketing workflow is that it can help you create a more consistent brand voice, which will make your messaging much more powerful overall. In this episode, we talk about branding and AI, and how it can help you be more effective and efficient.Brought to you in part by Color Inc. https://colorincprolab.com/Photo Happy Hour is also brought to you by MoLight, Seniors U...2025-04-2145 minPhoto Happy HourA chat with Tim Kasberger from Color Inc.Let us know what you think about the podcast!We had a chance to sit down and chat with Tim Kasberger, founder of Color Inc., a professional photo lab in Grandville, Michigan. It was great to meet Tim and discuss what is going on in the photography industry!You can learn more about Color Inc. at https://colorincprolab.com/Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin...2025-02-151h 03Photo Happy HourFestivus '24: The annual airing of grievancesLet us know what you think about the podcast!"I got a lot of problems with you people! And now you're gonna hear about it!"Welcome to our annual Festivus episode! In the time-honored tradition of Festivus, we air some of our grievances about the industry from this past year. So grab some popcorn and enjoy!Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and MoLight. Learn...2025-01-1659 minPhoto Happy HourLightingLet us know what you think about the podcast!It's been awhile since we talked about good old lighting. So hear you go...a lively discussion about something near and dear to our hearts: lighting. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and MoLight. Learn more at:https://www.beautifulportraits.comhttps://www.gomolight.comDan Frievalt, M.Photog., M. Artist, Cr., owns Frievalt...2024-11-1859 minPhoto Happy HourTales of Weird and Unusual ToolsLet us know what you think about the podcast!Halloween is approaching fast, so we thought it would be a good time to talk about the weird and unusual tools we sometimes use. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and MoLight. Learn more at:https://www.beautifulportraits.comhttps://www.gomolight.comDan Frievalt, M.Photog., M. Artist, Cr., owns Frievalt Photography in...2024-10-2345 minPhoto Happy HourIt's fall, y'allLet us know what you think about the podcast!This episode is about catching up towards the end of the busy summer season as we head into fall. Lots of new stuff: a chat about exciting new gear, an update for the Peak Senior Summit, and more! Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and MoLight. Learn more at:https://www.beautifulportraits.comhttps://www.gomolight...2024-09-1256 min
Freedom Focus PhotographyInside the High School Senior Market with Dan Frievalt254 - In this episode of the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast, your host Nicole Begley dives into the exciting world of high school senior photography with special guest Dan Frievalt from Frievalt Photography. Whether you’re interested in photographing high school seniors or not - this episode is still full of applicable tips for ANY genre!Dan shares his journey of niching down, the challenges of working in a seasonal market, and his strategies for telling each senior’s unique story through their photos. He also reveals his top marketing techniques, discusses the products that reso...2024-08-0655 minPhoto Happy HourA senior portrait chat with Nathan LokerLet us know what you think about the podcast!Southern Illinois photographer Nathan Loker is known for his dramatic senior portrait lighting, love of YooHoo, meat rubs, resemblance to Lil Sweet, and dedication to his family/life/work balance. Join us for our fun chat with Nathan!Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and MoLight. Learn more at:https://www.beautifulportraits.comhttps://www.gomolight...2024-06-2151 minPhoto Happy HourThe Power of CollaborationsLet us know what you think about the podcast!Most of us are single-operators, solo entrepreneurs. Which makes it difficult to expand the reach of our marketing. But here's a thought: have you reached out to other single operations like yourself? Folks who are in a different business, but targeting many of the same people? Clothing stores. Pet boutiques. Salons. Car dealerships. The list goes on an on. In this episode, we chat about the power of collaborating with other businesses to achieve mutual success.Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors...2024-06-1553 minPhoto Happy HourIs the future here?Let us know what you think about the podcast!Will the new global shutter Sony A9III set the photography world spinning? Dan is one of the first pros to get his hands on one, and it looks like it is a gamechanger. As in, all of the rules just changed, especially with off-camera flash. Learn more about this major new camera and what it might mean for the future. And find out what made Michael call a hopefully small group of pedantic photographers "dumb@$$es". (Hopefully, you're not in that group.) :)Photo Happy Hour...2024-03-2558 minPhoto Happy HourSales are FundymentalLet us know what you think about the podcast!It's been a while since we had a special guest, and this episode's guest is extra special: Andrew Funderburg -- or just plain "Fundy", the man behind Fundy Designer. If you are not familiar with Fundy Designer, you are in for a treat. It's one of the best and easiest ways to get your sales to skyrocket. Listen in and learn about the latest from Fundy, and be sure to check out Fundy Designer online.Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked...2024-03-1150 minPhoto Happy HourKicking off 2024 the right wayLet us know what you think about the podcast!As we kick off 2024, we cover diverse topics like ImagingUSA, SYNC, email marketing, annual planning, and cheese curds. Good stuff. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and MoLight. Learn more at:https://www.beautifulportraits.comhttps://www.gomolight.comDan Frievalt, M.Photog., M. Artist, Cr., owns Frievalt Photography in DePere (Green Bay), Wisconsin...2024-02-1643 minPhoto Happy HourHow to be successful (despite yourself)Let us know what you think about the podcast!As we wind down the year, we put together a far-ranging episode with tips on how to succeed despite whatever personal failings you might have (LOL). From web tips, to what you can learn from the folks in Las Vegas, there's plenty of insight and nonsense to go around. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and...2023-12-2147 minPhoto Happy HourTricks or Treats? Talking about fire, volume, gear, and more.Let us know what you think about the podcast!As is our habit of late, we cover a lot of territory in this episode. We weigh in on the latest trend of lighting seniors and athletes on fire. We crossover and chat about volume photography. And of course, we talk about some gear stuff, too. Lots of stuff for everyone, so grab your bucket for a load of tricks and treats. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog...2023-11-0357 minPhoto Happy HourFamily portrait tips and tricksLet us know what you think about the podcast!Family portraiture can be a very lucrative segment of the photography industry. However, many photographers struggle with family portraits. Each of us approaches family portraits from slightly different angles, yet we have all been successful with the family portrait side of the business. Hear our inside tips and tricks, and perhaps we will share that nugget of info that can help launch you into better family portrait sales. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Get...2023-09-2651 minPhoto Happy HourAI: Friend, foe, or somewhere in-betweenLet us know what you think about the podcast!Everyone is talking about it. We talked about it before, but a lot has changed since the last time we broached the subject of AI. In this episode we chat about which AI tools we are using, and how different AI tools have helped our businesses. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and MoLight. Learn more at:...2023-08-2357 minPhoto Happy HourA chat about home studios and more with our buddy, Angela NavaretteLet us know what you think about the podcast!What's the most important tool your home studio should be equipped with? It's...nope...you need to listen and pick up this and many more great tips from our chat with Angela Navarette. Angela is an award-winning master photographer based in the Dallas suburbs. You can learn more about her work at https://angelanavarette.com/Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in...2023-07-2545 minPhoto Happy HourKeeping up with rising costs, and Michael's sketchy tax tipsLet us know what you think about the podcast!Since when did a quick trip through the fast food drive-thru start costing $25 or more? Costs are rising everywhere...have you adjusted your pricing to keep up? We share some thoughts on this, and Michael shares a few sketchy tax tips that might help you out. :)Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and MoLight. Learn more at:...2023-06-2155 min
Something New Every WeekCapturing the Senior Experience: Aaron Rodgers, AI Retouching, and Building a Photography Business with Dan FrievaltWhat do Aaron Rodgers' NFL career and senior photography have in common? Find out in our intriguing conversation with talented senior photographer and Green Bay local, Dan Frievalt. We discuss Aaron Rodgers' move from Green Bay to the New York Jets and dive into Dan's journey from a free Facebook group to creating Sceners Unlocked, a subscription-based education platform for photographers.Listen as we explore the power of AI retouching tools for senior photography and the importance of staying connected with today's teen demographic. Discover how Dan captures the essence of each individual senior by understanding their...2023-06-1343 minPhoto Happy HourLures catch more people than they do fish, and you can't smoke an 8x10Let us know what you think about the podcast!With a title like that, do you really need an elaborate episode description? We think not. We cover a lot of ground in this one, so pop in your earbuds, grab a gummie, and enjoy. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe!Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and also owns MoLight...2023-05-271h 01
Shoot for Success Photography Podcast with Sean Brown#80 Dan Frievalt Running a Successful Senior Photography Studio and Creating Long Term SuccessThis conversation has been a long time in the making due to Dan and my CRAZY busy schedules, but man was it worth it!!
For those of you who don't know Dan, he is an absolute wealth of knowledge and industry educator. We dove into so many wonderful topics that centered around what it takes to run a successful photography business and how he's managed to keep his sanity over the years.
What we talked about this episode:
- What it takes to run a successful high school senior photography business of 18 years2023-05-0150 minPhoto Happy HourInjuries, Mezcal, drywall, and a puppy.Let us know what you think about the podcast!We're all over the map -- literally -- in this episode. From Michigan to Mexico, we cover the gamut and give some updates on our ongoing (and debilitating) projects. And as always, we dispense a little wisdom along the way. Just a little wisdom, but like "just a little" mezcal, it can pack a punch. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe!Your...2023-04-1048 minPhoto Happy HourAwards, New Digs, and Flaming CheeseLet us know what you think about the podcast!If you like variety, this episode has it! We cover a lot of ground, including some fun conference shenanigans as well as several prestigious awards bestowed upon us. We may not cover how to calculate the inverse square law, but we have a lot silliness this week.Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe!Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns...2023-03-161h 02Photo Happy HourTips to start off the new yearLet us know what you think about the podcast!It's 2023 already, just in case you didn't realize it. But there's definitely still time to make some changes, implement new ideas, refine some old ones, and make this a great year for your photography business. In this episode we give you some tips as well as a lot of other random thoughts. It's a great start to season 4!Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe!2023-01-1355 minPhoto Happy HourReinventionLet us know what you think about the podcast!All three of us have undergone some level of reinvention this year. How about you? Planning any changes for 2023? Why wait? In this episode, we talk about how we reinvent ourselves constantly -- in both big and small ways. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe!Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin...2022-12-0841 minPhoto Happy HourWhy can't clients listen?Let us know what you think about the podcast!We put it all in writing, in brochures and on the website. We go through everything in person and on the phone. We have YouTube videos walking clients through all the steps. Yet we still get clients who misunderstand how things work, or are surprised by our pricing. How and why does this happen? We chat about the reasons why and offer some ideas on how to get clients to listen.Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Co...2022-08-3050 minPhoto Happy HourIs AI creating "art"?Let us know what you think about the podcast!This week we jump into the deep end and wade into chemical-laden toxic pool that is the topic of Artificial Intelligence: Creating art from words being input into an app. Is it art? Whose art is it? Is it cool? Is it ethical? Is it the best thing since Photoshop? We tackle as many angles of this as we can. Join in the fun and check out this hot episode of Photo Happy Hour.Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and...2022-08-0946 minPhoto Happy HourSportraits -- Sports PortraitsLet us know what you think about the podcast!One successful product we have used to help grow our sales and differentiate us as artists in the marketplace is the "sportrait": Unique artwork based around a client's sports activities. Ranging from single-image composites, to montages, to painted images, we cover all of the ways that sportraits can help your photography business. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe!...2022-07-2646 minPhoto Happy HourDressing clients for photo successLet us know what you think about the podcast!"Dress for success" is an old idiom that has some merit. But what about when a client shows up wearing unflattering or ill-fitting clothing? Or a mishmash of conflicting colors and patterns for a family portrait? This week we chat about how to guide clients to wearing the right outfits to ensure your success.Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe!Your Hosts:2022-06-2547 minPhoto Happy HourLight Quality: talking about softness, specularity and diffusionLet us know what you think about the podcast!We get a little technical this week as we explore the topic of light quality and really dig into the definition of hard and soft light, and the role that diffusion and specularity play. Note: Our online recording service flipped to record Michael's audio from his crappy streaming camera instead of his awesome new Rode microphone, so please excuse his shitty audio quality. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check out our YouTube ve...2022-06-1053 minPhoto Happy HourWorkflowLet us know what you think about the podcast!One of the most common complaints we see, especially from newer photographers, is how much time they spend in front of the computer, up until the wee hours of the morning, editing, retouching, etc. We often talk about getting it "right in camera," which can save a lot of time. This week we talk about what you do after the session; do you have an efficient, time-saving workflow?Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check...2022-05-1745 minPhoto Happy HourThe Great Reset: What has changed over the past two years?Let us know what you think about the podcast!Our podcast launched at the start of the pandemic two years ago. We reflect over the past two years on what has changed in our own businesses as well as the industry in general. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe!Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and also owns MoLight. Learn m...2022-04-2945 minPhoto Happy HourShould you be a specialist, or a generalist, in your photography?Let us know what you think about the podcast!Specialize? Or generalize? It's a huge question for many photographers, especially when they are starting out. The three of us all have taken different approaches, yet we've all been successful. In this episode, we share our thoughts and tips on this important decision, and even throw around a few $13 words here and there.Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe!Your Hosts:...2022-04-1454 min
Shoot for Success Photography Podcast with Sean Brown#50 The Big 50th Episode! Quick Tips From Your Favorite Industry LeadersWow has time flown! I am in shock that it's already been 50 episodes and am thankful to you for showing up and tuning in week after week! This episode, I wanted to do something a little different. What better way than getting the band together! And by that I mean putting together and episode filled with quick tips from your favorite industry leading senior photographers. Check it out and don't forget to give some Instagram love to those photographers whose quick tips were most helpful to you!
Carissa Davis: https://www.instagram.com/imagerybycarissa/
Caroline...2022-04-1136 minPhoto Happy HourCaring for your gearLet us know what you think about the podcast!Breaking, damaging, ruining, or just messing up gear can get pretty expensive, both in out-of-pocket costs to replace or repair, and lost opportunities because your equipment wasn't working or available. This week we give some tips on how to care for your gear and prevent damage in the first place. And we came up with an excellent concept for new photo assistants: Photo Caddies!Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Check out our YouTube version...2022-03-2547 minPhoto Happy HourPricingLet us know what you think about the podcast!What holds photographers back from pricing their work appropriately? This week, we do an in-depth discussion on pricing to help photographers struggling to make a living in our industry.Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Be sure to check out our YouTube version of the podcast, and please subscribe!Your Hosts:Michael Mowbray, M. Photog., Cr., owns Beautiful Portraits by Michael in DeForest (Madison), Wisconsin, and also owns MoLight. Learn more at:2022-03-1446 minPhoto Happy HourWhat it's like to sit in the judge's chairLet us know what you think about the podcast!This week we give you a little peek behind the curtain and let you know what it's like to sit in the judge's chair. Since Carl and Michael are both IPC jurors, and Dan has heard us complain enough that he can serve as an honorary juror, we thought it would be interesting to share some insight on what it is like to judge print competitions. Here's a hint: it ain't all fun and games. ;)Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked...2022-03-1053 minPhoto Happy HourGoalsLet us know what you think about the podcast!How can you get where you want to go without first picking a destination and then creating a map to get there? This week we talk about the importance of goals and give some great tips along the way. Thank you to our new sponsor, Professional Photographers of Iowa. Learn more about their upcoming conference with fabulous speakers: www.ppiowa.comPhoto Happy Hour is also brought to you by MoLight, Seniors Unlocked, and Carl's Coaching Corner.Be sure to check out o...2022-02-2440 minPhoto Happy HourHow is photography like cooking?Let us know what you think about the podcast!Start with a good base. Add a little of this, a little of that, mix it all together and throw it in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes, or in the camera at f5.6 for 1/160th. When you think about it, photography is a lot like cooking. Sometimes you follow a recipe to a T. Sometimes you just wing it. All of us like to cook so we have some fun with this cooking analogy this week. Photo Happy Hour is brought to you by MoLight, Seniors...2022-02-0145 minPhoto Happy HourIt's a Darty Party! Our chat with SYNC cofounder Darty HinesLet us know what you think about the podcast!We sat down to chat with one of our favorite guys, SYNC cofounder Darty Hines. After a long and successful career in photography, Darty and his wife Michele created the Senior Youth National Conference (SYNC) and have turned it into one of the best photographer conferences in the country.What makes SYNC so good? Listen and find out. And you can learn more about SYNC at their website. Register and say hi to us as all three of us will be there...and we plan to...2022-01-2049 minPhoto Happy HourContextLet us know what you think about the podcast!What you say or do is important. But often equally as important is the "when, how and where" you say or do it. It's the context. Be aware of how context can greatly impact the success of any endeavor. Carl shares a story about how a world-famous violinist only made $37 when he busked with a violin in the DC subway. Despite selling out the best venues in the country and playing a $3.5 million violin, people hardly gave him any notice as he played beautiful music in...2022-01-0834 minPhoto Happy HourGet yerself some edumacation in 2022Let us know what you think about the podcast!There are so many great education opportunities for photographers. If you aren't actively investing time, effort and money into your growth, you're always going to be a step -- or twelve -- behind your competition. In this episode we chat about some of the best education opportunities out there from photographers; there's something for everyone!Along the way we explain the best way to measure when making cocktails, and it doesn't involve using a shotglass (that's for amateurs and people from Illinois).Check out...2021-12-1851 minPhoto Happy HourDid your photography business ruin your hobby?Let us know what you think about the podcast!It started with so much promise. You got a new camera. You quickly began to create some pretty cool photos here and there. Friends and family tell you that you should become a photographer. So you do. Then reality hits; there's a LOT to know when you turn professional. What are some things you wish you know when you started? Well, we cover these tips and more in this week's episode. We even cover the best jobs to have in preparation in becoming a photographer, and near or a...2021-12-0357 minPhoto Happy HourThings you should be doing RIGHT NOWLet us know what you think about the podcast!The leaves have fallen. There's a crisp bite in the air. The last piece of pumpkin pie is calling out to you. And the Bears still suck. Ah, yes. The last gasp of fall as we head into winter. As a photographer and likely a small business owner there are some things you need to be doing now before you trim the tree, put up the menorah, raise the Festivus pole, or put a great big bow on that Lexus in the December to Remember. In this episode w...2021-11-2556 minPhoto Happy Hour"Tales from the dark side of photography" Our Spooktacular Halloween episode!Let us know what you think about the podcast!"Mrs. Jones, this is the police. We found your camera, but your SD cards are missing." Ooooooh...scary! In our Halloween special we chat about scary, spooky and weird things that have occurred when we're photographing. And we pose a few good questions, like:Do you get to charge a second session fee if your senior client is possessed?Do ghosts make good photo assistants?Along the way we may have set a new record for movie and TV references, i...2021-10-3159 minPhoto Happy HourWe're Back!Let us know what you think about the podcast!Not sure if you even noticed we took a two-month break, but we're baaaaaack! Lots of stuff to catch up on, so sit back and listen to all the crazy stuff that has been going on since our last podcast in August. Tales of woe and intrigue. Illness...famine...webinars...international logistics...lumber prices...and more!Thank you to our sponsor, Write Better Words from Red Curl Creative. Save $97 on the Write Better Words course using code HAPPYHOUR at http://www.writebetterwords.com2021-10-2349 minPhoto Happy HourOur TECHTALK -- best settings for different types of portraitsLet us know what you think about the podcast!What does TED know about photography? Nothing, I say! Nothing! Fortunately we present you with our own TECHTALK where we share a lot of little technical tips about different types of portrait photography. What's the aperture we most use for headshots. What about for seniors? Where should you place the focus point for groups and families (it's not on the front person)? How does high speed sync work, and when should you use it? How should your mirrorless camera be setup for using flash. And lots of other g...2021-08-101h 07Photo Happy HourHitting the WallLet us know what you think about the podcast!We hit the midsummer wall, like all busy photographers do. So this episode is just a bunch of fun with a little photography knowledge sprinkled in here and there. Thank you to our sponsor, Write Better Words from Red Curl Creative. Save $97 on the Write Better Words course using code HAPPYHOUR at www.writebetterwords.com. This week's featured cocktail: Strawberry Moscow MuleINGREDIENTS for One2 ounces vodka, adjust to taste1/2 ounce fresh lime juice4 ounces gi...2021-07-231h 01Photo Happy HourGary Box interview -- getting his clicks on Route 66Let us know what you think about the podcast!This week's guest is one of the best lighting instructors in the country, as well as one of the most successful photographers we know. Gary Box owns Box Portrait Gallery in Sapulpa, OK, where the fabled Route 66 runs right past the door of his quaint (?) 6000 square foot studio. Get ready for some great discussion on lighting and business! As well as the normal tangents we are known for. Best quote? "Nothing brings out beauty like hard light. And nothing brings out ugly...2021-07-141h 03Photo Happy HourHappy Endings...tips and tricks to selling without sellingLet us know what you think about the podcast!Can you sell your photography without "selling"? Absolutely! In this episode we provide some tips and tricks for softly selling throughout the entire process so that by the time you get to the end you have a happy ending -- for everyone.Topics we cover include the much debated "sneak peek" and whether or not you should put your business name and phone number on your vehicle. Plus a ton of other insight.Thank you to our sponsor...2021-06-3047 minPhoto Happy HourWhat to wear and share...talking about wardrobeLet us know what you think about the podcast!If only we could get our clients to chat with Stacy and Clinton from "What Not to Wear" before they show up. That would solve a lot of wardrobe issues. But since that's not an option, how can you stack the deck (or the rack) in your favor when it comes to wardrobe choices? In this episode we explore some options and suggestions for you. And we even answer some listener questions on the topic.Along the way, we set...2021-06-2156 minPhoto Happy HourWhy are your photos so fuzzy? Pet Photography with Lisa Asp.Let us know what you think about the podcast!Pet photography is booming across the USA, so we asked noted pet photographer Lisa Asp to join us and share some insights on the pet photography business. Lisa also started the popular national pet photography conference Animal Image Makers (AIM), which happens every April in her hometown of Minneapolis.Lisa's website: https://tangerinehouseofdesign.com/Animal Image Makers: https://animalimagemakers.com/Informative and entertaining, grab your favorite beverage and press "play". And don't forget to subscribe to our Y...2021-06-0251 minPhoto Happy HourCopyright -- What you need to knowLet us know what you think about the podcast!As often as photographers complain about copyright, we also find that many photographers do not really understand how copyright works. In this episode we lay down some very useful knowledge about copyright*, the CASE Act, and more. As Michael says, "Y'all need to learn this because it's going to save your butt and maybe make you money."If you are a PPA member you can download their complete copyright kit here: https://www.ppa.com/benefits-mem/copyright-advocacy/copyright-resources...2021-05-271h 01Photo Happy HourCrazy things photographers sayLet us know what you think about the podcast!Photographers say the craziest things to get their clients to smile, look serious, pose a certain way, or simply to quit being a pain in the...wallet. In this episode we share some of the things we say, have said (and regretted), and have heard others say. It's a good time.Along the way Dan shows off the first Mojito of the season, Michael shares his story about the demon grandma, and Carl demonstrates how he yells at seniors2021-05-2058 minPhoto Happy HourHow to work with difficult clientsLet us know what you think about the podcast!Wouldn't it be great if every client was sunshine and gumdrops? In your dreams! So, how can you cope with difficult clients and problems that arise? In this episode we give you some solid advice, and of course go off on a few tangents. We also started recording video with this episode, so you can check that out on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/SXXhE7ZQHGYGrab your favorite drink and enjoy!Thank you to our podcast sponsor: Red Curl Creative. Save $97 on...2021-05-101h 09Photo Happy HourBack that upLet us know what you think about the podcast!Beep...beep...back that sweet stuff up. And of course we're talking about your files. This episode we talk about what to do...and what not to do. We do a lot of the latter, so learn from our laziness. Along the way we somehow make backing up sound sexy, and we broach the important question of: is it our responsibility to be the long-term storage for our client's photo files? It's an interesting discussion!Thank you to our podcast...2021-04-271h 02Photo Happy HourIs it time to add video to your studio?Let us know what you think about the podcast!This is the question we've all been asking ourselves for years. The answer is: Yes! Video is a great way to add to the client experience, it gives us a way to differentiate ourselves, and last but not least, it's an add-on that can increase sales. Give this episode a good listen as we lay down some wisdom for adding video to your photography studio. Thank you to our podcast sponsor: Red Curl Creative. Save $97 on Kimberley's website copy course, Write...2021-04-131h 04Photo Happy HourAdding a splash of colorLet us know what you think about the podcast!Bright, bold, poppy color is trending like crazy right now. In this episode we explore some of the ways we are incorporating pops of color into our own work. And we chat about some of the exciting new options out there like colored LEDs where you can dial in pretty much any color you want.Also, please join us in popping the bubbly as we celebrate the one year anniversary of the Photo Happy Hour podcast...2021-04-0756 minPhoto Happy HourMaking physical changes to your studio spaceLet us know what you think about the podcast!It's the off season for the three of us, so we've got a number of studio projects in the works. Everything from painting to studio samples to moving stuff around. Do you have any changes planned for your space? Give this episode a listen as we share some good ideas in the midst of all the normal crap. Along the way, Carl poses this important question: is it grey, or gray? Michael mentions why he doesn't price per sheet: "This isn't Bed, Bath and B...2021-03-1856 minPhoto Happy HourA Very Derryberry InterviewLet us know what you think about the podcast!Join us for a special interview episode where we chat with our good friend and great photographer, Kira Derryberry. Kira is based in Tallahassee, Florida, where she photographs a range of family and corporate clients in her thriving photography studio. We cover a wide array of topics, from several unique ideas for corporate photography to her platform program at the recent ImagingUSA conference, as well as the benefits of having a studio located next to a nice restaurant (i.e., bar). Grab your favorite d...2021-03-031h 09Photo Happy HourFavorite Photographic ProductsLet us know what you think about the podcast!What's your favorite photographic product? Want to know what our are? We could just list them here, but where's the fun in that? In this episode we talk about our favorite products, where we get them from (or how we make them), and also how we sell them. Lots of great info!Along the way we get a little sidetracked when Carl talks about "69ing" an image (he meant 86ing it -- look it up). Dan can't remember if he's supposed to...2021-02-111h 06Photo Happy HourWhat you missed at ImagingUSALet us know what you think about the podcast!Got a serious case of FOMO? Maybe it's because you missed out on the best virtual conference we have seen to date: ImagingUSA at Home, put on by PPA. It was so good that it even had our own Dan Frievalt as a speaker, our own Carl Caylor as an instructor for the image competition class, and our own Michael Mowbray manning the virtual booth for MoLight. What more could you ask for? In this episode we chat about what went...2021-01-261h 01Photo Happy HourPhotographers we follow and admireLet us know what you think about the podcast!We want to start off the New Year right with a positive episode full of love, fluffiness and good cheer. What better topic than sharing the photographers we stalk, er, follow and admire. Show these folks some love and check out their amazing work. We mention a ton of people...here are just a few, but be sure to listen to the episode to get the deets on everyone we mention.Kathy Wierda, Erica Lane Harvey, George Mitchell, Tara Rudy, Tim...2021-01-161h 15Photo Happy HourA look back at photography in 2020Let us know what you think about the podcast!Goodbye and good riddance to 2020...amiright? Actually, not all was bad in 2020, so this week we take a look back at some of the interesting stuff that happened this year. And of course we go off on several fun tangents. Along the way we talk about cooking, Michael discovers that he is snooty about grilled cheese, Carl tries to pinch zoom a magazine, and Dan drops a ton of movie quotes. Here's how to make a Naughty Rudolph.Here's how t...2020-12-311h 08Photo Happy HourTips on finishing out the year rightLet us know what you think about the podcast!It's December, boys and girls, and you know what that means? Time to get totally nogged and do some important year ends tasks for your business. And take some time to relax. But really, do these other things, too. This week we give our tips for things that you should be looking at or doing before January 1 slides on in.Along the way, Dan confesses why he's been extra naughty this year. Michael talks about nogging. And Carl brags about...2020-12-1552 minPhoto Happy HourThe most wonderful podcast of the year!Let us know what you think about the podcast!This episode is chock full of holiday cheer! And by the sound of it, the guys are chock full of cheer as well. ;) Do you hear what I hear? True believers will hear the gentle tinkle of lots of great ideas for stuffing your stocking. Plus we share some valuable knowledge with you like...What should you do when a sommelier hands you a cork? And...What makes bourbon "bourbon"?Link to our sponsor: TCPPALink t...2020-12-041h 06Photo Happy HourA Peek Behind the Curtain of Print Competition and JudgingLet us know what you think about the podcast!So you'd like to learn a little bit about how print competition works? You came to the right place. This week we pull back the curtain on print competition and give you some insight from the judges' points of view. Hang onto your butts as we take a deep dive into the depths of print competition. This week you'll also hear the Legend of the Bar Squeeze. Pop culture references include Titanic, Indiana Jones and the L...2020-11-251h 17Photo Happy HourThe Huge Benefits of Outsourcing: An Interview with Ty Fischer of RebookuLet us know what you think about the podcast!I can sense as you listen to this at 2a.m. that you might be a little tired of staying up late editing and retouching your photos. Never fear, good photo citizen. There can be hope and a bright light at the end of the tunnel (check for trains first, just to be safe). If you haven't tried outsourcing, don't walk, run your fingers over your keyboard and go to the magic world of Rebooku at www.rebooku.com. All three of us outsource a...2020-11-1956 minPhoto Happy HourThe Power of Community and ConnectionsLet us know what you think about the podcast!To paraphrase the great philosopher PeeWee Herman, as solo photographers we are loners, Dottie. Rebels. Because most of us work on our own, it's even more important that we reach out to connect with other weird folks like us. That's where the power of the photography community can help. There are many opportunities to connect and share with like-minded folks, and learn from what others have done to grow and improve. This week we chat about this and how you really can't learn...2020-10-2753 minPhoto Happy HourThe Jenn Lewis Interview: easy ways to increase your sales averages and much moreLet us know what you think about the podcast!This week we chat with senior photographer and business/sales guru Jenn Lewis from Clemmons, North Carolina. In between a lot of laughs and fun we layout some solid business and sales advice that could help you increase your sales immediately. We also hear about Jenn's self challenge for October: add on $25k in sales in 30 days -- and the answer isn't doing 500 $50 mini sessions. Along the way we chat about about the pros and cons of buying a building...2020-10-031h 09Photo Happy HourLearn Lighting and Composition from HollywoodLet us know what you think about the podcast!Movies not only entertain us, they can also inspire us as photographers. After all, as a photographer you are the director, cinematographer, set designer, prop master, and more for your clients. So it only makes sense to look to the movies for inspiration on lighting, color grading, composition and framing, storytelling, and so on. There really is a lot we can learn from watching a great movie. This week we chat about movies that inspire us...and what specifically we can learn...2020-09-181h 06Photo Happy HourFun with Words - an interview with Kimberley Anderson of Red Curl CreativeLet us know what you think about the podcast!Words can be fun. In fact, some of us use them everyday! In this episode we interview photography copywriter extraordinaire Kimberley Anderson. A veteran of the grueling wedding photography wars, Kimberley pivoted pre-Covid to focus on her other passion: crafting the right words for photographers. In this episode you will learn what should be in your bio (and what should NOT be -- I'm looking at you, coffee and yoga), and what common mistakes most photographers make when they attempt...2020-09-1156 minPhoto Happy HourTips and war stories for staying healthy as a photographerLet us know what you think about the podcast!It's hard to stay healthy when you're a photographer. From repetitive motion injuries, to bad backs and necks, to having to photograph weddings through sickness and pain, photography can definitely mess you up. In this episode we share some of our war stories and more importantly, wise tips for staying healthy. This week's random pop culture references include Muhammad Ali, monks in the middle ages, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stuart Smalley. Along the way find out why Carl and Dan rub their camera...2020-09-031h 03Photo Happy HourWhat's gnu? Are you trying anything new in your studio?Let us know what you think about the podcast!What gnu things are you trying in your photography business? After all, could there be any better time to mix things up and try some new stuff? This week the guys chat about the new things they are working on and trying out. Give it a listen and maybe you'll be inspired to try something new as well. Along the way we give you a few tips about the California wine country, share our current binge shows, and learn that...2020-08-2450 minPhoto Happy HourThe Dan McClanahan interview: A new approach to senior photographyLet us know what you think about the podcast!This may be the smartest episode we've done yet! Wise beyond his years, Dan McClanahan joins us to share his new commercial approach to senior photography. If you're not familiar with Dan's work, stop reading now and check it out. https://www.mcclanahanstudio.net/ Then come back and listen to this great interview. Thought provoking and hilarious throughout, you're going to want to listen and take notes. Topics we also hit include: Dan's Yelp review of Iceland. The...2020-08-131h 04Photo Happy HourA patchwork quilt of random photography awesomenessLet us know what you think about the podcast!This is a magical episode where we took all of the random topics that didn't merit an entire episode and blended them all into one melange of tasty torpitude. Michael kicks things off with a rant about studio names and things go downhill (in a good way) from there. Carl laments that he thinks he's going blind from...lack of fishing, which prompts Dan to declare that he's "never been too drunk to drink". Along the way you'll learn...2020-07-2957 min