A fun and engaging chat about anything and everything you need to know to be a professional photographer. Loose, casual, and light-hearted, your hosts, master photographers Carl Caylor, Dan Frievalt, and Michael Mowbray, tip back their favorite drinks and provide a ton of insight on how to run a successful photography business. Helpful, sometimes intelligent, and always entertaining.
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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.…
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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…
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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 Mo…
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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 …
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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 c…
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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 Fun…
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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 MoLig…
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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 Coachi…
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Tricks or Treats? Talking about fire, volume, gear, and more.
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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 brough…
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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 t…
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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: M…
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A chat about home studios and more with our buddy, Angela Navarette
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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 bro…
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Keeping up with rising costs, and Michael's sketchy tax tips
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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 Co…
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Lures catch more people than they do fish, and you can't smoke an 8x10
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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…
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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, Sen…
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Awards, New Digs, and Flaming Cheese
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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 Co…
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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 broug…
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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 t…
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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…
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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 epi…
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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 Hou…
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"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 M…
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Light Quality: talking about softness, specularity and diffusion
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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 h…
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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 ef…
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The Great Reset: What has changed over the past two years?
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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:…
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Should you be a specialist, or a generalist, in your photography?
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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 broug…
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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 p…
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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 su…
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What it's like to sit in the judge's chair
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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…
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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.com Pho…
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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 c…
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It's a Darty Party! Our chat with SYNC cofounder Darty Hines
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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 le…
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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 venu…
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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! Al…
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Did your photography business ruin your hobby?
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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 ti…
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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 Fest…
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"Tales from the dark side of photography" Our Spooktacular Halloween episode!
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"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 mak…
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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…
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Our TECHTALK -- best settings for different types of portraits
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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 o…
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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 cockt…
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Gary Box interview -- getting his clicks on Route 66
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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 …
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Happy Endings...tips and tricks to selling without selling
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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 p…
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What to wear and share...talking about wardrobe
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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…
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Why are your photos so fuzzy? Pet Photography with Lisa Asp.
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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://tangerinehouseofdesi…
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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 …
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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 …
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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…
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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 fo…
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Is it time to add video to your studio?
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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…
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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 …
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