Focal University

Learning bits from some of your favorite photography educators.

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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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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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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December 2, 2021

Get to know Focal: 'I want us to earn your respect'

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. 
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December 17, 2020

"Show your value as a photographer": Focal on the Capture Crew Podcast

New podcast alert! The good folks over at Capture Crew invited our CEO & Founder, Lachlan Shum, to talk about conveying value as a photographer and attracting ideal clients.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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November 23, 2020

So, you want to be a wedding photographer: 8 tips for shooting like a pro

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.
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September 15, 2021

Q&A: Diving headfirst, growth and a deeply rooted love of family photography with Haley Skof (Calgary, AB)

Inspired by her two free-spirited kids and the loss of her job during the pandemic, Calgary-based photographer Haley Skof took matters into her own hands, picked up a camera and dove into the photography community.
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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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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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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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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: Actionable Marketing Funnel Checklist

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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 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 20, 2023

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

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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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July 20, 2022

Is Wedding Photography Dying?

Is wedding photography dying? Is the wedding marketing shifting? Hear Taylor Jackson's insight on this topic!
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October 16, 2021

Top 6 newborn/maternity photographers in Calgary, AB

Pregnancy and the road to motherhood is an incredibly special, yet fleeting time. A need to capture these amazing moments is something we understand. So, whether it be a maternity shoot or a newborn shoot, we have you covered with a list of Calgary’s top 6 maternity and newborn photographers. 
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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Leverage Technical SEO to get more Inquiries

In this detailed video lesson from "Marketing 101 for Photographers," we explore a technical-driven approach to SEO, specifically through blogging about local venues and locations.
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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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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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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 24, 2021

What to consider when hiring a family photographer

Picking a family photographer who you want to represent and capture each of your unique personalities and relationships can be extremely intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! 
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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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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Deal with Difficult Clients

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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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October 27, 2022

How to Write an "About Me" Bio for your Wedding Photography Website and Bio Examples to Inspire You

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June 4, 2021

Q&A: Boudoir and empowerment with Blackfish Collective (Victoria, BC)

Running a photography business can feel like a solitary endeavour. Victoria's Blackfish Collective are proof it doesn't have to be. A co-operative model that "arose out of the notion that creatives can always learn from each other," we spoke with the group about working together and how boudoir photography has led to some of the most rewarding moments of all.
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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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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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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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July 19, 2022

How to Book More Weddings From Your Website

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!
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January 25, 2021

Why CODB isn't what it's cracked up to be in photography

Nobody wants to work for less than they’re worth. But too often, focusing on this one thing ends up hurting early-career photographers who don’t have the experience or client base yet.
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February 24, 2020

How to choose a newborn photographer in Victoria BC

Newborn photography in Victoria, BC can be a big investment. Doing your research and asking the right questions is extremely important — 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.
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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Create Packages that Sell the Experience, not Photos

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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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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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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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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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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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February 24, 2020

You aren't just buying photos!

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!
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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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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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June 19, 2023

Better Than Booked with Lindsay Coulter

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!
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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 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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April 9, 2021

Finding your ideal photography clients starts with you

Reaching your ideal photography clients hinges on one key principle: you don't choose your ideal clients; they choose you. To bring in bookings, focus on what makes you stand out. Then tell your customers about it.
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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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June 19, 2023

Photographer Spotlight - David Graham

Come meet the one and only David Graham, a wedding photography wizard from sunny Sarasota, Florida! With 35 laughter-filled years behind the camera, David never misses a beat or a joke. We first met David at our maiden Not-a-Conference in Banff, and he's become a beloved fixture ever since. Get ready to be charmed and inspired—once you meet David, you're in for a delight!
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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Book Inquiries like a Pro

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October 6, 2021

Q&A: Relationships, energy, and photography with Hannah Tabert (Vancouver, BC)

With 10 years of experience as a professional photographer, Vancouver-based Hannah Tabert decided it was time to finally stretch her entrepreneurial wings and start her own photography business. With her relational approach to photoshoots, Hannah lets her 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.
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October 30, 2021

5 unique engagement photography locations in Calgary, AB

Engagement photos are an irreplaceable opportunity. They capture you and your partner's excitement and the overflowing joy before you dive into the next chapter of your life. During this process, you may be struggling to decide on an engagement location, one that represents you and your partner's journey. Calgary is home to amazing scenery with an abundance of jaw-dropping locations to choose from. If 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. 
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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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December 1, 2022

SEO For Beginners

Ever wondered how to get to the first page of Google? Have you heard big words like Search Engine Optimization and not been able to follow along? The purpose of this guide is to teach you the very basics of SEO and the three bucket approach that will help your webpages rank higher on Google!
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September 14, 2021

Top 6 family photographers in Calgary, AB

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. ‍
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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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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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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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December 29, 2021

Tips and poses for including siblings in newborn portraits

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.
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October 22, 2020

Q&A: Scottish ceilidhs and safe spaces with Sarah Murdoch (Calgary, AB)

A Calgary-based photographer, Sarah Murdoch has been photographing weddings since 2006. A product of the film era, Murdoch cut her teeth in the darkrooms at the Alberta College of Art and Design. It's that same handcrafted approach she carries into her 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."
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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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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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February 27, 2023

The Focal WPPI Packing List

Lindsay Coulter x Focal The Ultimate Not-a-Conference Las Vegas Packing List
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June 30, 2023

Migrating Your Photography Website from Universal Analytics to GA4

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!
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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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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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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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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Build a Website that Drives Bookings

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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 17, 2021

What to look for in a newborn or maternity photographer

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. 
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June 18, 2021

How to Find Your Picture Perfect Photographer with the Focal Marketplace

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.
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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 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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October 17, 2022

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! 🎟️🏝️

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! 🎟️🏝️
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February 28, 2020

What to expect when you're expecting: a newborn photography shoot in Victoria BC

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!
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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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November 20, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers - What is a Marketing Funnel?

In this essential video from the "Marketing 101 for Photographers" course, we provide an in-depth exploration of the marketing funnel, specifically tailored for the photography industry. This lesson breaks down the funnel into three key segments: the top, middle, and bottom, explaining their unique roles and how photographers can effectively navigate through each stage to convert leads into clients.
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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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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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November 7, 2021

Top 5 elopement photographers in Calgary, AB

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. 
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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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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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November 18, 2023

Marketing 101 for Photographers: How to Identify & Target Your Ideal Clients

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.
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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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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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November 20, 2023

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

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July 4, 2023

8 Tips for Shooting Your First Wedding

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!
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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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November 28, 2022

Q&A: Joy Michelle & Lachlan Shum

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!
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December 7, 2021

Top 6 family photographers in San Francisco Bay Area

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. 
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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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