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."

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, BC’s 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.

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.

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.

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.

In this FB Q&A session, photographer and educator Joy Michelle gets in-depth with Lachlan Shum about the origins of Focal, standing out in a competitive industry, attracting your ideal clients, running mini sessions, and much more!

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

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.

On their Facebook Live session, Lindsay & Lachlan discuss a number of topics, including building a portfolio, how Focal was started, how to market and price your photography, and even Gucci sneakers!

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! 🎟️🏝️

When it comes to business, mindset is everything. A positive mindset and optimistic attitude can truly affect the success of your photography business–and here's how. Here are our 5 tips for shifting your mindset and achieving all your business goals.

Lindsay Coulter x Focal The Ultimate Not-a-Conference Las Vegas Packing List

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.

As if choosing the perfect wedding photographer wasn’t too much work! Now your photographer is asking if you’d like to add on a 2nd shooter! You’re probably thinking - I just spent all this time finding someone with the style I like, is a good personality match and fits my budget! Why on earth would I need a 2nd photographer?

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

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.

Need a bit of inspiration before you head out the door with your camera? Looking for the perfect place in Victoria for a family or engagement shoot? We’ve got you covered with a list of stellar options in and around the city that will bring your next photoshoot to life.

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.

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.

A simplified workflow is essential for any photography business. Not only does it ensure your business runs smoothly, but it can also combat feelings of imposter syndrome. If you struggle with feeling like you are a true professional, developing a simple workflow can help your business feel more legit. Here are 3 tips to get you started.

Newborn photography in Victoria, BC can be a big investment. Doing your research and asking the right questions is extremely important — 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.

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 don’t 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 Focal’s help, you will gain more clients. 

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.

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. 

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 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.

Nellie Quail is the kind of family photographer clients love: genuine, kind, and with an eye for bringing her customers’ creative vision to life. But between raising her young kids and shooting in the evenings, she’d never had the chance to build herself a solid workflow. She turned to Focal to take her business to the next level.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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. 

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.

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.

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.

You can’t be the perfect photographer for everyone. That’s just a fact. So instead, focus on what makes you special and convey that to customers.

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!

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!

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

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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 — one ready for something outside the ordinary.

Whether you are fresh into your photography business or two years deep, it is essential to create a business plan. A business plan is the key to your success in the photography industry. It ensures that you aren’t stumbling around blindly, but rather making productive decisions that will propel your business in the right direction. Read on to learn about the 5 key parts to every photography business plan.

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.

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 Calgary’s top 6 family photographers. ‍

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!

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.

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!

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 Wang—a longtime Focal user—to hear more of his story.

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.”

Award-winning photographer Ben Hartley hosted Focal's Co-Founder & CEO, Lachlan Shum, on the Six Figure Photography Podcast. Listen as the two discuss the keys to communicating value as a photographer, sales techniques than anyone can incorporate, and how to make your business stand out.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 shouldn’t!), 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, BC’s top photographers, Marlboro Wang, I’ve curated this post to answer all of your pressing family photoshoot-related questions.

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.

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.

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:

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.

Hiring a photographer is seen as an investment, commonly reserved for special occasions; weddings, graduations, families, etc. Many people wait to hire a photographer until one of those ‘special occasions’ happens in their life and those moments are amazing, but guess what? You deserve to be celebrated just as much! We believe that it is important to have your portrait made at least once because why should you settle for cell phone selfies? Having said that, we have compiled a list of reasons why you should book yourself a portrait session.

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.

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.

It’s almost always the first question customers ask: how much do you charge, and for how many photos? Like it or not, we’re a price-shopping bunch — and when we buy, we want to get the best deal. Thing is, it’s a terrible approach for photography. It’s just about reframing the conversation.

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.

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.

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."

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

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!

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.

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!

Establishing a prosperous wedding photography business hinges not only on your talent behind the lens but also on your expertise in creating an enticing online presence. A well-constructed website serves as your business's digital storefront - it's where your unique style merges with your clients' dreams of their special day.In this post, we'll take you through a simple, yet effective six-step process to optimize your photography website design. If you decide to use Focal, our AI website building assistant will make these steps even easier, and our beautifully optimized photography website templates will set you up for success. Focal simplifies the process, helping you not only to display your work attractively but also to significantly enhance your chances of ranking high in search results, thereby amplifying your online visibility. So gear up to put your best digital foot forward in the world of wedding photography!

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.

Los Angeles is home to an incredible amount of creativity. With so much talent in a city full of amazing photographers, we helped narrow down the top 7 family photographers that you can trust to capture your family’s unique personalities and the love you share. 

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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...

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).

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.

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.