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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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! 🎟️🏝️

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. ‍

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. 

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. 

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.

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).

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 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.

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.

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.

Mini sessions are great for a number of reasons as a photographer: they're quick, easy to edit, and you can shoot them in high volumes. But if you want to convert your mini session clients into ones who will pay for your full sessions, there's a trick to doing them well.

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."

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!

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!

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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! 

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.

An eight-year professional photographer, Julie Doro has a knack for finding what makes her subjects unique. We interviewed her about falling in love with photography, why photographers have to "lead their clients," and getting her subjects to relax.

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

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. 

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.

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.

It’s always sad to see couples disappointed by their wedding photography and it seems like it happens far too often, so the team at Focal has created a quick guide to avoid some of the common pitfalls of hiring a wedding photographer. Here are 7 common mistakes to avoid when choosing your wedding photographer!

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. 

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.

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.

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?

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."

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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! 

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.

Struggling to come up with keywords for your business? Unable to compete with bigger companies on keywords you want to appear for? This blog serves as a comprehensive guide to help you select keywords that are going to have the biggest impact on your business.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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:

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.