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August 21, 2020

How to use golden hour

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!
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March 18, 2021

The top 25 percent rule: How to succeed as a photographer

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.
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February 28, 2020

Focal photographers' most Instagramable locations in Victoria, BC

We teamed up with our photographers to come up with the most instagramable locations in Victoria, BC Canada!
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November 15, 2020

The number one mistake every photographer makes

Being a photographer is difficult. You are not only a photographer but a businessperson too. Therefore, you are bound to make some mistakes along the way. Whether you're business savvy or not, if you are a photographer, you are most likely making the number one mistake every photographer makes. But that's okay! Read on to learn what that number one mistake is, and how to stop making it.
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August 4, 2021

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 “watching the light bulbs go on.”
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February 24, 2020

4 steps to help you find your unique value as a photographer

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.
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July 16, 2021

Top 10 Wedding Photography Packages in Vancouver, BC

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.
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December 21, 2020

3 ways to fix your photography website

Having a website is crucial for professional photographers. But it’s not enough just to have one — if you want bookings, you need to make sure you’re doing it right.
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February 24, 2020

How your photography pricing is losing you dream clients

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?
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December 21, 2022

5 Wedding Photography Website Templates Used By Famous Photographers

Looking for a photography website template that showcases your photography work and captures leads? Check out Focal’s 5 best photography website templates here.
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November 20, 2023

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.
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July 14, 2021

10 steps to perfect SEO as a photographer

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.
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April 5, 2020

Merridale Cidery and Distillery Victoria BC - Wedding Venue Photo Walkthrough

If the idea of getting married in front of a castle or at a fancy hotel strikes you as a touch over the top, then the Merridale Cidery and Distillery might be the perfect venue for your wedding. This secluded cidery & distillery is just a little ways up Vancouver Island from Victoria in the area of Mill Bay.
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April 13, 2021

Top 5 Maternity & Newborn Photographers in Victoria, BC

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!
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December 7, 2021

Why elopement weddings are rising in popularity

I’m 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 wasn’t 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?
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April 29, 2021

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).
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April 19, 2021

Why your photography investment page needs fixing

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.
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October 23, 2020

"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 Wang—a longtime Focal user—to hear more of his story.
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October 29, 2021

Can’t 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, don’t worry: We partnered with Calgary newborn photographer Nadine McKenney to offer some helpful insight. 
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June 11, 2023

How to design a photography website in 6 easy steps

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!
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March 30, 2020

Introducing the new Focal marketplace platform

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.
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April 22, 2020

Victoria, BC takeout inspo

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.)
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November 23, 2021

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. 
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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Deal with Difficult Clients

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July 2, 2020

Headshots vs. personal branding photography

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.
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April 30, 2021

Top 12 Mother's Day Family Photography Packages in Victoria, BC

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.
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December 24, 2020

How to revolutionize your photography business

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. 
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February 25, 2020

Focal on Beers With Entrepreneurs

Listen to our appearance on Beers with Entrepreneurs a podcast that explores up and coming startups!
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December 14, 2020

Marketing 101: How to grow your photography business online

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.
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October 19, 2022

Episode 1: What The Focal? (w/ Lachlan Shum, CEO & Founder of Focal)

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! 
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April 2, 2021

The top 10 wedding packages 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!
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October 17, 2021

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! 
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February 28, 2020

Bat Mitzvah Bash in Victoria BC!

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!
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September 18, 2020

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. 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.
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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to use the Feature Benefit Technique for Conveying Value

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).
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February 5, 2021

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.
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August 28, 2020

Mirrorless vs. DSLR: Why mirrorless wins

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.
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April 1, 2020

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.
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October 2, 2020

6 tips for boosting your social media

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.
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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Find Creative Top of the Funnel Marketing Channels

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May 27, 2021

Q&A: Elopements and "doing shit you love" with Vanessa Fukuyama (Vancouver, BC)

Vanessa Fukuyama (Fortune Hill Photography) has an eye for details — 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."
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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Respond to Client Inquiries

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.
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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Leverage Packages & Pricing for SEO

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March 21, 2023

A Guide to Photography Contracts + Free Wedding Photography Contract Template

A good contract isn't only helpful to a photography business; it's essential. In this article, you'll learn the essential elements of a photography contract and how to protect yourself and your clients with a well-drafted contract.
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April 27, 2021

3 ways to make free and TFP shoots work for you

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.
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May 7, 2021

"Punching the roof": Focal on the Six Figure Photography Podcast

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.
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January 22, 2021

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.
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September 29, 2021

Growing your Photography Business: One-on-One with Lachlan Shum

Do you want to learn how to better identify and reach you ideal clients? We talk to Focal CEO Lachlan Shum about his history in sales, his disruptive approach to the industry, and why he developed the Business Accelerator Program.
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March 11, 2020

10 tips for creating a photography portfolio and packages that customers want to book

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.
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December 22, 2021

Top 7 family photographers in Los Angeles

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. 
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January 18, 2021

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.
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May 11, 2021

"Helping photographers and clients connect": Focal on This Can't Be That Hard

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.
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March 8, 2021

Your mindset is losing you photography clients

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.
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June 30, 2023

June Photo Contest Winner!

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...
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October 28, 2022

What The Focal? Episode 2: Get Your Ass UP w/ Lindsay Coulter

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.
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May 28, 2020

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 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.
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October 20, 2021

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.
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November 2, 2022

Q&A: Lindsay Coulter and Lachlan Shum

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!
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November 9, 2022

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.
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June 3, 2021

Top 10 Father's Day Family Photography Packages in Victoria, BC

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!
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December 7, 2021

Why you need to book yourself a portrait session

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.
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June 30, 2021

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 & 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."
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October 6, 2021

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. 
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November 12, 2021

Q&A: Documentary Photography and Motherhood with Krystle Schofield (Victoria, B.C.)

Whether she’s photographing a family in their home or a yoga group in their studio, Victoria based Krystle Schofield connects with her clients and their space in a unique way. With her documentary-style approach to photography, Krystle captures those candid, authentic moments of connection. We talked to Krystle about her background in design, her journey through motherhood, and the importance of being seen.
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October 28, 2022

Tips with Taylor Jackson: Book More Mini Sessions!!

Mini sessions are a great way to build a portfolio quickly, and supplement your income during the offseason, but can be really hard. In this blog, Taylor Jackson covers some of the common questions and confusion around mini sessions. He'll also go over pricing, setting up, marketing, and running your mini sessions effectively.
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September 18, 2020

The biggest fix you can make to your photography portfolio

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.
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September 9, 2020

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 “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.
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January 30, 2024

Beautiful Photography Websites Built With Focal

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:
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February 15, 2024

Why Your Response Time Could Be Leading To Clients Ghosting You


Response time is crucial for closing sales for several reasons, each impacting various stages of the sales process and influencing the potential client’s decision-making process. Here are key reasons why quick response times can significantly affect your booking outcomes:
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February 4, 2021

3 tips for simplifying your photography workflow

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.
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October 13, 2020

4 reasons you need a photography mentor

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.
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May 13, 2021

Top 8 Family Photographers in Victoria, BC

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.
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January 25, 2021

How to stand out in a saturated photography industry

When anyone with a smartphone can take a half-decent portrait, you’ve got to find a way to separate yourself from the crowd.
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June 14, 2021

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.
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June 30, 2023

Not-a-Conference Maui 2023 recap!

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...
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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to use Socials as a Top of the Funnel Marketing Channel

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June 30, 2021

Top 10 Family Photography Packages in Vancouver, BC

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.
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April 9, 2020

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...
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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: Actionable Marketing Funnel Checklist

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October 1, 2021

Top 5 reasons to hire a family photographer

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.
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June 15, 2023

Three Things Photographers Can do to Boost SEO

Learnt the three key SEO tips for getting started with your website.
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June 16, 2023

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!
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March 21, 2021

How to create a photography business plan

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.
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November 18, 2022

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!
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November 18, 2021

Top family photographers around Seattle

Family is such a big part of your life! Wanting to treasure these amazing people and the fond moments they represent is something we value and understand. Having family photographs that you can affectionately look back on displayed in your home brings comfort and joy. Your choice to invest in a quality family photographer is important. We have you covered with a list of the top family photographers in the Seattle area -- from Normandy Park all the way to Bellingham. 
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May 11, 2021

How to use customer personas in your photography business

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.
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August 12, 2020

6 places to go for your next photoshoot around Victoria, BC

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.
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August 25, 2020

Q&A: Chasing summer with photographer Rob Wilson (Victoria, BC)

Victoria-based photographer Rob Wilson is obsessed with "that feeling — 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.
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July 6, 2023

Threads Vs. Twitter: What’s Better For Photographers?

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.
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November 23, 2020

How Christin Carruthers rebuilt her photography business after moving across the country

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.
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January 20, 2021

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 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.
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September 14, 2020

5 tips for starting a photography blog

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.
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November 23, 2021

Top 9 wedding packages in Calgary, AB

The time has come: you and your partner are about to embark on a whole new journey! When it comes to planning out your wedding, there are an endless amount of things to consider and plan for. A wedding photographer should be at the top of your priority list because, during that single day, your photographer will capture every joyous moment. 
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September 2, 2020

6 tips for becoming a full-time photographer

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.
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June 10, 2020

Best family photography locations around Victoria, BC

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.
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May 3, 2021

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.
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February 23, 2021

Photography Website Checklist

A website is essential for any business–especially for photographers. It is where customers can come to learn about you and your photography, understanding everything from your photography style, packages, prices, contact information, and more. Read on for a "pinnable" checklist for your photography website and tips for creating one that works!
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March 9, 2021

How Focal Marketplace is different from other photographer directories

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.
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May 25, 2021

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.
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January 8, 2021

The secret to finding ideal clients

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.
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