Whether it's offering a world-class photography storefront, or providing a simple, easy booking solution to manage customers, we're committed to giving photographers the highest level of service. Read more from the photographers who trust Focal.
December 29, 2021
Tips and poses for including siblings in newborn portraits
Newborn sessions highlight a new chapter in a parentâs life. In these sessions the newborn should be the star, however, we understand how important it is for parents to have a sibling photo during this exciting period. Capturing the love and impending lifelong friendship is a cherished moment. However, with that being said, we also understand how kids can be. The reality of a sibling photo can be chaotic. To help make your life easier, we compiled a list of tips and poses for including siblings in newborn portraits.
What to wear during your winter family photography session
Winter photography sessions hold a special place in my heart. The physical and emotional connection you get by snuggling closer, the fresh snow that looks like a blank canvas, and the snow-covered landscapes can be stunning. However, it can be tricky when dressing for a winter shoot. On one hand, you want your family to look amazing and on the other, you have to make sure everyone is warm. To help ease your mind and give you some ideas, we have created a list of what you should wear and be prepared for during your next winter family photography session.Â
With the holiday seasons fast approaching, countless memories are made between you and your loved ones. Capture that timeless joy and laughter between you and your family with one of Calgaryâs top 6 family photographers. â
Do you dream of making the transition from part-time to full-time photographer? Do you have no idea where to start? Before quitting your day job and pursuing photography full-time, read these helpful tips with insight from Marlboro Wang, one of Victoria, BCâs top photographers and a Focal partner.
How to Find Your Picture Perfect Photographer with the Focal Marketplace
Itâs hard to find your âpicture perfectâ photographer. Trust us, we know! That's why we created the Focal Marketplace. To make finding a photographer easy. Learn more about the Focal Marketplace and why you should use it to find your next photographer.
5 Reasons You Should List Your Prices on Your Photography Website
Explore the advantages of listing your photography prices publicly, including letting your work sell itself, qualifying leads, hastening sales, enhancing your professional image, and improving the client's experience. Embrace transparency in your photography business and focus more on capturing those perfect shots.
Q&A: Elopements and "doing shit you love" with Vanessa Fukuyama (Vancouver, BC)
Vanessa Fukuyama (Fortune Hill Photography) has an eye for details â the kind of things easily missed, like a glance or a quiet smile on a busy wedding day. We spoke with Vanessa about building confidence behind the camera, photographing for Lululemon, and why "life's too short to do shit you don't love."
If all you're using your website for is to share photos, you might as well stick to Instagram. Your goal should be to answer your photography clients' questions before they get in touch with you.
Photography has become much more accessible than it has ever been before. We spoke with four experienced family photographers from across the United States and Canada to find out why you should hire a professional for your next shoot.
Q&A: The superpower of freezing time with Jessica Woodall (Wake Forest, NC)
To spend a photoshoot with Jessica Woodall is to feel like you've reconnected with an old friend. Her North Carolina charm and easygoing manner make you feel at home in front of the camera. We spoke with Woodall about lessons learned from Christmas shoots, getting her subjects comfortable in front of the camera, and the superpower of freezing time.
Nobody wants to earn a reputation as the free photographer. But if you're going to agree to a free shoot, there are ways to maximize its value to your photography business. It's about thinking strategically.
Coming of age is a truly unique point in any young person's life and it was our pleasure to capture this special memory together. Being apart of an event that brings family and friends from all over the world is something that we love to capture. Have a look at some behind the scenes of this beautiful Bat Mitzvah photo shoot in Victoria BC!
Q&A: Car chases and cherry blossoms with Greg Samborski (Victoria, BC)
Greg Samborski is a photography polymath: the kind of lensman who pilots drones as deftly as he rides a motorcycle, shoots weddings as comfortably as street photography, and cut his industry chops in Korea working for the likes of Dior, Netflix, and Google. Now based in Victoria, BC, Samborski is looking to bring his creative approach to a new clientele â one ready for something outside the ordinary.
Your first wedding shoot as a professional photographer is a big moment and might feel a little daunting. These 8 tips will help you make sure your first wedding shoot is a memory you treasure as much as your clients do!
Q&A: Diving headfirst, growth and a deeply rooted love of family photography with Haley Skof (Calgary, AB)
Inspired by her two free-spirited kids and the loss of her job during the pandemic, Calgary-based photographer Haley Skof took matters into her own hands, picked up a camera and dove into the photography community.
How Nellie Quail retooled her photography workflow with Focal in a single day
Nellie Quail is the kind of family photographer clients love: genuine, kind, and with an eye for bringing her customersâ creative vision to life. But between raising her young kids and shooting in the evenings, sheâd never had the chance to build herself a solid workflow. She turned to Focal to take her business to the next level.
Q&A: Darkrooms, joy and happiness with Julie Doro (Vancouver, BC)
An eight-year professional photographer, Julie Doro has a knack for finding what makes her subjects unique. We interviewed her about falling in love with photography, why photographers have to "lead their clients," and getting her subjects to relax.
Q&A: Mastering food photography with Sandy Weatherall (Vancouver Island, BC)
An avid skydiver, yogi, martial artist, and commercial photographer, Sandy Weatherall (Jinsei Media) has photographed everything from pets, to portraits, to candy-coated donuts and exploding smoothies. We spoke with Weatherall about the secrets of food photography, what makes a good photographer, and âwatching the light bulbs go on.â
Don't make these 7 mistakes when booking a wedding photographer
Itâs always sad to see couples disappointed by their wedding photography and it seems like it happens far too often, so the team at Focal has created a quick guide to avoid some of the common pitfalls of hiring a wedding photographer. Here are 7 common mistakes to avoid when choosing your wedding photographer!
3 Things You Need to Launch Your Photography Website
Ready to share your business with the world but feeling overwhelmed? We've got you covered! In this article weâll demystify the process of creating a website by discussing the three most important components you need to get off the ground: a website builder, a domain, and a web host.
"Show your value as a photographer": Focal on the Capture Crew Podcast
New podcast alert! The good folks over at Capture Crew invited our CEO & Founder, Lachlan Shum, to talk about conveying value as a photographer and attracting ideal clients.
Safe to say we were BLOWN AWAY by this month's submissions! Everyoneâs photos captured the theme beautifully, the talent in this community is overwhelming and inspiring. We sure are glad we left it up to the community to pick a winner because thereâs no way we would have been able to decide. But alas, one photographer must prevail...
Staying home doesn't have to mean cooking during COVID-19. In the spirit of supporting our beloved friends in the food service industry, the Focal team wanted to share some of our favourite places for takeout in Victoria. (Don't blame us if you get hungry.)
When running a photography business, social media plays a critical role in gaining clients and building relationships with other photographers. So, here are 6 helpful tips for boosting your social media game.
5 unique engagement photography locations in Calgary, AB
Engagement photos are an irreplaceable opportunity. They capture you and your partner's excitement and the overflowing joy before you dive into the next chapter of your life. During this process, you may be struggling to decide on an engagement location, one that represents you and your partner's journey. Calgary is home to amazing scenery with an abundance of jaw-dropping locations to choose from. If youâre looking for a unique, memorable location to represent your relationship, we compiled a list of striking options in and around the city to spice up your engagement photoshoot.Â
Having a website is crucial for professional photographers. But itâs not enough just to have one â if you want bookings, you need to make sure youâre doing it right.
Whether you want to boost your photography skills or grow your network, a mentor is a great way to take the next step in your business. Along with 4 reasons why you need a photographer, I share the necessary questions you need to ask yourself before searching for a mentor to get the most out of the experience, and also a few places where you can find the right one for you.
With so many wedding photographers out there, each with their own plethora of packages and options to choose from, it can often be daunting to tell the difference. Thankfully, Focal is here to help!
Finding your ideal photography clients starts with you
Reaching your ideal photography clients hinges on one key principle: you don't choose your ideal clients; they choose you. To bring in bookings, focus on what makes you stand out. Then tell your customers about it.
Conquering COVID-19: How to book more small photoshoots and grow your revenue by up to $10,000 a year
With the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacting this yearâs wedding season, photographers everywhere are trying to find new ways to make up for lost income. At Focal, weâve had good success helping our partner photographers grow their business through booking more small shoots. Here's how our top photographer grew their income by just over $10,000 in 2019.
Struggling to come up with keywords for your business? Unable to compete with bigger companies on keywords you want to appear for? This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to help you select keywords that are going to have the biggest impact on your business.
Come meet the one and only David Graham, a wedding photography wizard from sunny Sarasota, Florida! With 35 laughter-filled years behind the camera, David never misses a beat or a joke. We first met David at our maiden Not-a-Conference in Banff, and he's become a beloved fixture ever since. Get ready to be charmed and inspiredâonce you meet David, you're in for a delight!
Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Leverage Content SEO to get more Inquiries
In this engaging and informative lesson from "Marketing 101 for Photographers," we delve into the effective strategy of using a content-driven approach to SEO through blogging, with a focus on local venues and locations.
How to master your customer journey as a photographer
Have you ever felt like your photography website's traffic isn't leading to any bookings? Figuring out your customer journey can go a long way to solving that.
What to consider when hiring a family photographer
Picking a family photographer who you want to represent and capture each of your unique personalities and relationships can be extremely intimidating, but it doesn't have to be!Â
Q&A: Reaching your ideal clients with Annemie Tonken (This Can't Be That Hard)
The owner of Megapixie Photography; co-creator of The Family Narrative; and host of This Can't Be That Hard, a business podcast for photographers, Annemie Tonken has made a career out of helping photographers build more confidence in their businesses. We spoke with Tonken about getting her start as a photographer, why marketing to ideal clients is like birdhouse-building, and how to convey your value in an industry where pricing varies wildly.
Why you should hire a newborn and maternity photographer
During this new chapter in your life, it may seem like you have an endless amount of things to do before the baby comes. It is a very exciting yet busy period. You may be hesitant about whether or not you should hire a maternity and newborn photographer -- well, we have compiled a list of reasons why you should!Â
Marketing 101 for Photographers - What is a Marketing Funnel?
In this essential video from the "Marketing 101 for Photographers" course, we provide an in-depth exploration of the marketing funnel, specifically tailored for the photography industry. This lesson breaks down the funnel into three key segments: the top, middle, and bottom, explaining their unique roles and how photographers can effectively navigate through each stage to convert leads into clients.
At its core, SEO is about simplicity: making things fast, useful, and easy to find. If you keep those principles in mind, the rest will fall into place.
Canât decide between in-home or studio newborn photos?
Wanting to capture the fleeting newborn stage can be a very daunting task. With an ongoing list of things to do, the last thing new parents want to worry about is the location of their newborn photos. If you are having a hard time deciding between an in-home session or a studio session, donât worry: We partnered with Calgary newborn photographer Nadine McKenney to offer some helpful insight.Â
5 Things All New Professional Photographers Should Do
So youâre starting your career as a professional photographer, congratulations! Starting your own business can be an exciting, albeit daunting, experience. Turning your passion for photography into a successful career will require more than a keen eye behind the lens, but donât worry - weâre here to help! Here are five key steps every aspiring photographer should consider when starting out on their professional journey.
Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Leverage Technical SEO to get more Inquiries
In this detailed video lesson from "Marketing 101 for Photographers," we explore a technical-driven approach to SEO, specifically through blogging about local venues and locations.
The biggest fix you can make to your photography portfolio
Itâs almost always the first question customers ask: how much do you charge, and for how many photos? Like it or not, weâre a price-shopping bunch â and when we buy, we want to get the best deal. Thing is, itâs a terrible approach for photography. Itâs just about reframing the conversation.
It's one thing to have clients, it's another to have ideal clients. What if I told you there was a secret to attracting and booking people who are perfect for you and your photography style? Well, there is. Read on to learn all about how to reel in those perfect clients.
Ask Marlboro: Should I charge for photos on top of my session fees?
Oft-debated in the photography industry is whether photographers should be charging for photos on top of session fees, or if the pricing should all be rolled into one. Itâs a question veteran photographer Marlboro Wang has been asked more than once. Read on for why he opts for the all-inclusive approach.
With photography being such a competitive business, it can be hard to stand out among the other photographers in your area and get clients. Especially if you are brand new! But donât worry. It is possible to start building up your client list at any point in your photography career, and for you, today is that day! This post is going to walk you through how with Focalâs help, you will gain more clients.Â
How to turn mini-session clients into full-session clients
Mini sessions are great for a number of reasons as a photographer: they're quick, easy to edit, and you can shoot them in high volumes. But if you want to convert your mini session clients into ones who will pay for your full sessions, there's a trick to doing them well.
Elopement weddings are very intentional choices that couples make for a variety of reasons: money, family, or simply for the fact that they want this joyous occasion to remain intimate for themselves. Eloping does not hold the stigma that it did before; it simply means the couple have chosen to shift the focus onto themselves and their relationship. From having a big adventure together to exchanging your lifelong vows somewhere meaningful, we have gathered a list of the top 5 elopement photographers in Calgary, AB.Â
What is website conversion and how does it work? How do I book more weddings from my website? If you're asking these questions then you've come to the right place. Dive into the details on website conversion with Taylor Jackson and Lachlan Shum and learn about what website conversion is, how it works, and how to optimize your website to convert more visitors into paying customers. Learn more and level up your photography business!
Q&A: Birth Photography and Island Life with Melissa Whittington (Paia, HI)
From massage therapy to acting to owning a frozen chocolate banana stand, Melissa Whittington has done it all. But nothing comes close to her love of newborn photography. After leaving Georgia for Hawaii, she decided to embrace her love for babies and baskets and Rainbows and Hot Fudge Photography was born. We talked to Melissa about life on the island, birth photography, and her deep love of Willie Nelson.
3 Ways Your Photography Blog Can Help Maximize SEO
Your blog might be one of your most under-utilized tools when it comes to SEO. Find out three easy changes you can make to your posts to unleash the power of your blog and boost your SEO!
Q&A: Relationships, energy, and photography with Hannah Tabert (Vancouver, BC)
With 10 years of experience as a professional photographer, Vancouver-based Hannah Tabert decided it was time to finally stretch her entrepreneurial wings and start her own photography business. With her relational approach to photoshoots, Hannah lets her subjectsâ guide her lens, capturing those elusive moments of authenticity. We spoke with Hannah about how she came to love photography, the influence fashion has had on her career, and her experiences as an entrepreneur.
Are you in search of the perfect photographer to capture your special day? Do you have absolutely no idea where to start looking for a wedding photographer in Victoria, BC, and no idea how to book their packages? Focal has you covered!
Q&A: Chasing summer with photographer Rob Wilson (Victoria, BC)
Victoria-based photographer Rob Wilson is obsessed with "that feeling â like a late summer evening." It's there in the photos he captures, whether he's shooting weddings, portraits, or his travels. Raised in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, Wilson is the co-founder of Arcas Media, a production collective specializing in photography, videography, and graphic design.
How to choose a newborn photographer in Victoria BC
Newborn photography in Victoria, BC can be a big investment. Doing your research and asking the right questions is extremely important â especially when you are going to be trusting someone with your baby. Here are ten things to ask potential newborn photographers, and the types of answers you should look for.
To compare photographers based solely on the number of photos they offer is like comparing houses based solely on their square footage, or two meals based on their size. You're missing the good stuff!
Increase Sales From Your Website With This FREE Lindsay Coulter Module
Ready to have a website that converts leads to sales all by itself? Claim your free Better than Booked x Focal module with Lindsay Coulter to learn how!
Why Your Response Time Could Be Leading To Clients Ghosting YouâŚ
Response time is crucial for closing sales for several reasons, each impacting various stages of the sales process and influencing the potential clientâs decision-making process. Here are key reasons why quick response times can significantly affect your booking outcomes:
How to build an awesome photography investment page
An investment page is a lot more than just explaining your sessions through the number of photos included, the number of hours it will take, and how much it is. Your investment page is meant to describe your sessions and convince inquiring customers to book you through conveying your value as a photographer. Here are 5 tips for building an awesome investment page.
Q&A: Portraiture and fashion photography with Noah Asanias (Vancouver, BC)
In an industry that can be notoriously hard to crack, photographer Noah Asanias has built a reputation for his billboard-worthy style and knack for capturing the best of his subjects. The founder of Ark Studio, Asanias has worked with the likes of Lululemon and AllSaints, and has photographed a wide array of film and television personalities, from Leah Lewis (The Half of It), to Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), to Metta World Peace (Los Angeles Lakers).
Q&A: Scottish ceilidhs and safe spaces with Sarah Murdoch (Calgary, AB)
A Calgary-based photographer, Sarah Murdoch has been photographing weddings since 2006. A product of the film era, Murdoch cut her teeth in the darkrooms at the Alberta College of Art and Design. It's that same handcrafted approach she carries into her shootsâ"the biggest goal in my business is to create photos that are timeless," she says. "IÂ want realness, IÂ want authenticity, and I want to tell people's stories."
With the spring in full bloom and summer approaching, what better way to celebrate the warm weather and brighter days than a family photoshoot? Let one of Victoria, BCâs top family photographers capture the love and fun between you and your family, and browse this post to find a package perfect for you and your family.
Q&A: Equine photography with Olivia Danielle (Great Bend, KS)
Olivia Danielle makes an art out of capturing horses and their riders. We spoke with the Kansas-based photographer about finding her niche, landing her first clients, and why getting things wrong helps in getting things right.
"Photography is the way I communicate": Meet Marlboro Wang
A wedding and family photographer based in Victoria, BC, Marlboro Wang has established a reputation for his grandiose, cinematic approach to capturing couples. You'll notice it in his wedding and engagement photos: breathtaking; each one carefully-staged, not a hair out of place. We caught up with Wangâa longtime Focal userâto hear more of his story.
When it comes to business, mindset is everything. A positive mindset and optimistic attitude can truly affect the success of your photography businessâand here's how. Here are our 5 tips for shifting your mindset and achieving all your business goals.
How do you use golden hour? What is it? When is it? What types of settings should my camera be set to?
Golden hour is a fantastic opportunity for photographers to learn how to utilize natural light and be creative. Before you can have fun though, it is important to learn the what, when, why, and how's of this magical time. Read on for the answers!
Q&A: Astros and hip-hop photography with Todd Spoth (Houston, TX)
A self-described punk rock kid from Houston, Todd Spoth's high school photography course was âliterally the only class Iâve ever failed,â he says. Today, Spoth is a Gold Remi award-winning documentary film producer whose photographs have appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and ESPN.
How to prepare for your family photoshoot in Victoria BC
You have your first family shoot coming up and still so many questions! Whether you feel bad asking your photographer yet another question (which you shouldnât!), or it is just too embarrassingly close to shoot time to inquire more, this post will be your go-to guide to your family shoot. With insight from one of Victoria, BCâs top photographers, Marlboro Wang, Iâve curated this post to answer all of your pressing family photoshoot-related questions.
Iâm sure you have heard of the phrase eloping, commonly defined as running away secretly with the intention of getting married. Previously, it was treated as a stigma because to elope meant that your marriage wasnât supported by your family or friends. It was considered a whim and many other misconceptions surrounded it. But, now it is being seen as for what it really is: a choice to focus the wedding entirely on you and your significant other. Elopements and weddings have the same result, committing your life to your partner. However, the journey, experience, and adventure that makeup elopements and weddings are wildly different. With that being said, why elope?
Your photography business is a store, not an art gallery
The worst mistake a photographer can make is to treat their business like an art gallery and not a store. Essentially, not treating their business like an actual business. Here are 4 tips for transforming your photography into a real business.
Destination pre-wedding featuring horse and carriage in Victoria BC
This shoot saw the Focal team travel around Victoria with an amazing couple starting from Schwartz bay at 9 am and finishing up at parliament just after sunset capturing pre-wedding photos the entire way.
Top 6 family photographers in San Francisco Bay Area
Most people have thought about doing a family photography session but just havenât got around to it. Donât wait around and let the time pass you. Family photography sessions should be an important part of your life; to document growth and milestones, create a fond memory that you and your children can look back on, and have it hung proudly in your home. San Francisco, California is home to an abundance of talented family photographers. We have compiled a list of the top 6 family photographers in the San Francisco Bay area to choose from.Â
Top 6 newborn/maternity photographers in Calgary, AB
Pregnancy and the road to motherhood is an incredibly special, yet fleeting time. A need to capture these amazing moments is something we understand. So, whether it be a maternity shoot or a newborn shoot, we have you covered with a list of Calgaryâs top 6 maternity and newborn photographers.Â
How working for a startup was invaluable to my education: The top 5 things I've learned working at Focal
Like many University students, I finished my schooling for the year in April and was eagerly hunting for a summer Co-op. I hunted and hunted for Co-ops but everything that interested me was either too far away or required more education than I had at the time. Just as I was considering moving back home and re-applying for one of my previous jobs. I received an email advertising a summer position with Focal...
The top 25 percent rule: How to succeed as a photographer
You can be more skilled than 90% of photographers, but if you havenât learned how to market yourself, your business will plateau â and youâll watch as other photographers, even lesser-skilled ones, fill up their booking calendars faster. Being a professional photographer takes both â and more. You donât need to be the best at either. You just need to be good enough.
Not-a-Conference Maui was everything we could have dreamed of and more. Nothing compares to the exciting adventure Maui presents; waking up to the sound of wild roosters each morning, walking down to the ocean at lunch to catch a glimpse of the majestic sea turtles, taking pictures of the countless rainbows after brief sun showers, drinking a crisp glass of POG (passion orange guava juice) at the end of a successful day, and the ultimate experience of bringing 50 photographers together with the shared interest of bettering themselves as artists and business owners...
How to write a blog post that will boost your photography business!
Struggling to write blog posts? We hear you! That's why we've put together a quick guide on how to write creative, engaging blog posts that demonstrate who you are as a photographer and drive traffic to your website!
How Focal Marketplace is different from other photographer directories
Letâs be frank: many of the big-name directories donât treat photographers very well. That's why with Focal, we set out to create a marketplace where the focus is on you.
What The Focal? Episode 3: A Balancing Act w/ Palms and Lace
The dynamic photography duo, JJ and Alison, join us to talk about their amazing and hectic career balancing photography shoots between Utah and Hawaii.Tune in to hear them talk more about picking up and moving locations as a photographer, what it is like to make your high school sweetheart your business partner, and discussions around braving the pandemic and getting through slow times.
Summary of COVID-19 government support benefits: a guide for BC photographers
Sadly, COVID-19 has had a huge negative impact on the photography industry with few, if any photoshoots taking place. This situation is not expected to resolve itself over the short-term. The following article details the COVID-19 government support initiatives which are most relevant to BC based photographers.
Is your business ready for 2021? Whether you feel ready to bring your photography business into the new year (after the strange year we are in right now) or not, you might not have considered completely revolutionizing everything from your website to workflow. But today, I will convince you why NOW is the best time to revolutionize your approach to your photography business to take you that one step closer to your business goals.Â
Top 6 locations for your next family photoshoot in Calgary, AB
When it comes to having an abundance of incredible locations to take family photos, Calgarians have no shortage. We compiled a list of eye-catching options in and around the city to juice up your next family photoshoot.Â
The story that made me so passionate about building Focal to help photographers and ultimately work to make the photography industry a better and fairer place.
Q&A: Boudoir and empowerment with Blackfish Collective (Victoria, BC)
Running a photography business can feel like a solitary endeavour. Victoria's Blackfish Collective are proof it doesn't have to be. A co-operative model that "arose out of the notion that creatives can always learn from each other," we spoke with the group about working together and how boudoir photography has led to some of the most rewarding moments of all.
With a 6-figure milestone bagged in under a year, a staggering 1000+ sessions, 400 weddings, and a flurry of coaching successes, the unstoppable Lindsay Coulter has unveiled her first-ever, all-in-one, online course! Dive in to discover more about Lindsay, how to grab a module from the "Better Than Booked" course for free, and the juicy secret offer we've cooked up, especially for our fabulous Focal subscribers!
Q&A: Family photography and "quality over quantity" with Brittany Barry (Victoria, BC)
There is starting a photography business, and then there is starting a photography business during a pandemic. For Victoria, BC-based photographer Brittany Barry (Burrow &Â Bloom Photography), the challenge was a welcome one. We spoke with Barry about getting her start, lessons learned, and the maxim of "quality over quantity."