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.

Every digital sensor has a base ISO where the camera performs best. Nowadays, that’s usually 800. Anything less — 50, 100, 200, 400 — and the camera is simply faking it. It’s only adding or reducing the grains to imitate a look. A higher ISO evens out your exposure and leads to a smoother distribution of light.

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...

A self-described punk rock kid from Houston, Todd Spoth's high school photography course was “literally the only class I’ve ever failed,” 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.

Named One of the Most Inspiring Wedding Photographers in Canada, Lindsay shares her story and advice about growing a business one step at a time.

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 & 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."

So you’re 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 don’t worry - we’re here to help! Here are five key steps every aspiring photographer should consider when starting out on their professional journey.

Newborn sessions highlight a new chapter in a parent’s 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.

The time between your pregnancy to the arrival of your newborn is a magical journey; however, it will fly by quicker than you anticipated. Entrusting a photographer to understand and capture those incredible fleeting moments that you want to cherish is very important. We partnered with Calgary maternity and newborn photographer Nadine McKenney to narrow down key points you should consider when looking for your next maternity or newborn photographer. 

Interested in winning a free ticket to our Maui conference in 2023?! Join our Facebook group to find out how to enter - link in bio! 🎟️🏝️

You can be more skilled than 90% of photographers, but if you haven’t learned how to market yourself, your business will plateau — and you’ll watch as other photographers, even lesser-skilled ones, fill up their booking calendars faster. Being a professional photographer takes both — and more. You don’t need to be the best at either. You just need to be good enough.

A common mix-up for customers looking to hire a professional photographer for self-portraits is the terminology of “headshots” and “personal branding” photography. We've covered everything you need to know in order to choose the right one for you.

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.

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.

We teamed up with our photographers to come up with the most instagramable locations in Victoria, BC Canada!

Ready to share your business with the world but feeling overwhelmed? We've got you covered! In this article we’ll 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.

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 “watching the light bulbs go on.”

Our promise? To see you as a photographer, an artist, and a human being. To always listen. And to help your photography business succeed in the best way we can. 

Feeling lost on the business end of photography? Developing clear customer personas can help — and you don't have to be a sales whiz. You just have to pay attention to your clients and what they want.

Take us back 😍🍾 Hair & Makeup: @behindtheblush Florals: @fabloomosity Dress: @thebridalboutique @ruedeseinebridal Photography by: @amberleechristeyphotography @heydenphoto @johnatacanphoto @eugenekimphotography @nickylynn_photography @davidalangrahamphotography @scottrobertlim

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.

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.

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 subjects’ 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.

It’s time to find the perfect photographer for your wedding day. You want a photographer who you can trust, and who will capture all the special moments on your special day. To make things easy for you, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 wedding photography packages in Vancouver, BC. Here are the top 10 wedding packages in Vancouver, BC.

It’s hard to find your “picture perfect” 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.

Wedding photography comes with its perks: every day’s a celebration. But with that position comes pressure: how do you ensure you’re ready for such a milestone moment? We asked the most talented wedding photographers we know for their advice on how to shooting weddings like a pro.

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.)

Most people have thought about doing a family photography session but just haven’t got around to it. Don’t 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. 

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.

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.

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.

When anyone with a smartphone can take a half-decent portrait, you’ve got to find a way to separate yourself from the crowd.

Timeless elegance meets natural beauty at Starling Lane Vineyards where you’ll be transported into a fairytale world filled with antique buildings and blossoming flowers. Just outside Victoria BC, this gorgeous venue offers a tranquil setting for your ceremony and is only a short drive away from town should you desire a lively reception.

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. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacting this year’s wedding season, photographers everywhere are trying to find new ways to make up for lost income. At Focal, we’ve 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.

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.

Are you in search of the perfect maternity photographer in Victoria, BC to capture the beautiful moments of your pregnancy? Or maybe you are looking for a fantastic newborn photographer to take photos of your sweet baby! Focal has you covered with an array of talented, local Victoria photographers.Here are our top 5 maternity & newborn photographers in Victoria, BC!

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, BC’s top photographers and a Focal partner.

Capture the love between your family for Father's Day this year with one of Focal's top 10 packages in Victoria, BC, featuring some of the city's very best photographers. One of who will be the perfect fit for you and your family, so browse our packages and get your smile ready!

As a photographer, establishing an online presence is crucial to reaching your clients, and your domain name is an important part of this process. Learn the tips and tricks to choosing your domain, and find the address that's right for you!

In this engaging video from our Marketing 101 course for photographers, we focus on mastering client communication to effectively lead potential clients towards booking your services. This lesson delves into the art of responding to common client inquiries, from initial questions about pricing and availability to specific requests about photography styles and session details. We share key communication strategies, including how to clearly articulate your unique value proposition, the importance of timely and professional responses, and tips for building rapport and trust with clients.

As a photographer, a blog is an easy and fun way to engage with potential customers and other photographers. So, if you have ever asked yourself, is it even worth it for me to start a blog? The answer is yes! Here are 5 essential tips to help you start your photography blog.

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.

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 you’re 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. 

The ever-gracious Annemie Tonken invited our Co-Founder & CEO, Lachlan Shum, onto This Can't Be That Hard to talk about all things photography business-related, including how to put yourself into your client's shoes as a photographer.

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.

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. It’s a question veteran photographer Marlboro Wang has been asked more than once. Read on for why he opts for the all-inclusive approach.

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!

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.

A newborn, family, and wedding photographer from Victoria, BC, Christin Carruthers (Ooh Ooh Darling, Photography) specializes in capturing the memories that will last a lifetime. But it didn’t come easily. Along the way, Carruthers had to start from scratch and change her whole approach.

It’s 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!

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!

In the first-ever episode of What the Focal, join hosts Sierra & Kirsty as they quiz their boss on what made him start Focal. Hear Lachlan talk about side hustling before Focal, slinging RVs and designing hanging clothes racks. Only to be engrossed by how hard it is to get photographers to take his money! 

Mother’s Day is around the corner and what better way to celebrate than to capture the love your partner and children have for you! If you are in Victoria, BC, we have a wide variety of talented photographers with packages that are perfect for every mother out there. Here are our top 12 Mother's Day packages in Victoria, BC.

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.

As a photographer, you're probably a creative first and a business person second...or don’t consider yourself a business person at all! That is why I’ve put together this blog post: to give you a short rundown on the essential marketing tips for getting your name out there online and finding your ideal customers.

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.

When a client wants to book a photography package for $1,000, it’s hard for them to understand everything involved in the production. What's missing is the story. What makes your photo sessions a unique experience?

As of July 1, 2023, Google Universal Analytics will to longer process data. Learn how to upgrade your tracking to GA4 and improve your insights!

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).

Threads, Meta's response to Twitter, is making a splash in the world of social media. But is it the best app for your photography business? We look at what Threads has to offer, the good, the bad, and the ugly, to help you decide whether or not it's time to leave your Twitter account behind.

Summertime is the perfect time for a family photography session. If you are looking for a family photographer in Vancouver, BC, but have no idea where to start looking, we’ve got you covered!The Focal Marketplace makes it easy to browse talented photographers in Vancouver, BC and beyond, giving you all the information you need to book your perfect photographer.

Welcome to our latest episode of Marketing 101, specifically designed for photographers! In this video, we delve deep into the art of identifying and targeting your ideal customers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, understanding who your clients are is the key to growing your photography business.

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!

Are you planning a trip to Vancouver, BC? Whether you want city, water, or nature views, there is something in this bustling city for everyone. If you have never been to Vancouver and have no idea where to start, here is our list of the top 10 most Instagrammable places in Vancouver, BC, that you need to check out.

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!

With summer's arrival on Vancouver Island, it's the perfect time to gather your family for a morning, afternoon, or evening and make some memories! Discover the best locations for family photoshoots in Victoria.

Having a baby is a huge lifestyle change and the last thing you want when you’re a new parent is unnecessary stress. That’s why we sat down with Focal Photographer Christin Carruthers in Victoria BC to answer some of the most common questions she gets asked from new parents booking their child’s first Professional photoshoot!

Learnt the three key SEO tips for getting started with your website.

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. 

At Focal, we believe passionately that a photographer’s website and their “packages” are the two most important touch points to show customers what makes you special as a photographer. Here are Focal’s 10 tips to help you build a photography portfolio and packages that customers want to book.

Safe to say we were BLOWN AWAY by this month's submissions! Everyone’s 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 there’s no way we would have been able to decide. But alas, one photographer must prevail...

We heard photographers wanted their own branding and control over managing their portfolio and packages. They also wanted the ability to talk to customers directly. We put those things at the top of our development list. This isn’t just a new website and some software. It speaks to our responsibility to always improve, our value for art, and our never-ending commitment to our photographers.

Listen to our appearance on Beers with Entrepreneurs a podcast that explores up and coming startups!

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 Calgary’s top 6 maternity and newborn photographers. 

Let’s be frank: many of the big-name directories don’t treat photographers very well. That's why with Focal, we set out to create a marketplace where the focus is on you.

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.

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.

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.

Nowadays, mirrorless cameras are every bit as powerful as their DSLR counterparts, and often lighter and less expensive. Read on to find out why mirrorless cameras win out in the never-ending debate.

In this essential episode of Marketing 101 for Photographers, we delve into the "Feature Benefit" sales technique, a crucial strategy for demonstrating the value of your photography services. The lesson begins by differentiating between the features of your services (such as high-resolution images and quick turnaround times) and their benefits to clients (like preserving memories or enhancing brand image).

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.

Love isn't cancelled due to COVID-19. Every day, our team is surprised by the beautiful and incredible ways that couples are finding to forge ahead and celebrate their love. Looking to ditch the big ceremony? Discover the top outdoor elopement locations around Victoria.

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. 

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.

Ultimately, a website is more than just a gallery of your work; it's a multifaceted tool that can significantly expand your reach, attract diverse clients, and grow your photography business in a competitive digital marketplace. Take a peek at some beautiful websites we’ve built this year:

From lakes to parks to alleyways, there are so many stunning and Instagram-worthy places in Victoria to visit. Maybe too many! It can be hard to narrow it down, which is why we created this list just for you. If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, aka the City of Gardens, don’t forget to capture the memories and check out at least a few of the sites on this list because they truly are the top 10 most Instagrammable places in Victoria, BC. You’ll see!

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!

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, don’t worry: We partnered with Calgary newborn photographer Nadine McKenney to offer some helpful insight. 

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 shoots—"the biggest goal in my business is to create photos that are timeless," she says. "I want realness, I want authenticity, and I want to tell people's stories."

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.

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.