We all know of photographers who have average photography skills but run extremely profitable businesses (and of amazing photographers who aren’t profitable). How do they do it? Chances are, their business and marketing skills are exceptional.
For many of today’s professional photographers, photography is a second career. While some are lucky enough to have business backgrounds, many of us come from backgrounds that do little to prepare us for running our own businesses. Fortunately, there are photographers who have exceptional business skills who are willing to share their knowledge and best practices. Stacie Frazier of Haute Shots Beauty & Boudoir Photography in Las Veagas is one of these people. With a background in marketing and graphic design, Stacie has built a thriving boudoir business that continues to grow despite a saturated market.
Think Outside of the Box
“Stay true to your brand and look for brands that are similar to yours.”
It seems unlikely that someone who specializes in beauty and boudoir photography would encourage clients to be photographed without makeup, but that’s exactly what Stacie did with her No Makeup Challenge. The project was a huge success and ended with an event that was covered by the press (for free!) and had sponsors like Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Lola Haze lingerie.
Some of the best marketing is free. While it may feel scary to ask people to work with you or do things for you, it doesn’t hurt to ask and you may be surprised by how willing people are to partner.
“Start with what’s in it for the other person and not just what you want. You want to build a network and a reputation for being helpful.”
The Importance of Product and Selling the Experience
Like so many photographers today, Stacey gets asked if the digital files come with the session. How does she navigate this? She educates them.
“I’m trying to run a sustainable business and I want to be around for a while. Each digital file is worth your most expensive product.”
For a while, Stacie did sell an album with the digital files for the album images but realized that,
“Once they have the file, there’s nothing I can sell them. We’re done. StickyAlbums helps me get around this. They get a StickyAlbum with their album and very often, they coma back and buy more.”
Stacie is also a firm believer in selling the experience.
“When you start showcasing the experience it communicates more than just seeing a digital file on a website….people will start coming to you for more than digital files.”
How does she do it? Check out her YouTube page (which she links to on her site). We can guarantee you will want to book a session with her for yourself or someone you know.
Offering Value
Many photographers make the mistake of giving a lot away to get people in the door. Not Stacie.
“I offer clients things that they value before the session,
but I don’t give them things.”
Stacie uses StickyAlbums to provide her clients with Style, What to Wear (you can download it!), Shopping, How to Prepare Guides and even a workout video to help them prepare for their session.
“StickyAlbums is a way to stay on their minds and be in their pockets.”
She also gives all of her clients her book, How to be a Boudoir Bombshell.
To hear more watch this video interview with StickyAlbums founder Nate Grahek and Stacie.
About Stacie
We’ve all heard the saying “What happens in Vegas…” Perhaps it’s at this little suggestion that millions visit every year with sexy secrets on their minds, and Las Vegas-based photographer Stacie Frazier has the photos to prove it. No, it’s not paparazzi…. it’s Boudoir. Stacie’s intimate portraiture sessions are more than just a photo shoot, they’re a sexy, hilarious, exciting, and fun experience – and it’s no secret that Haute Shots clients tell their friends, who tell their friends, which has lead to an international clientele and accolades. Stacie’s photography has been described as “high-gloss glamour and drama ” but her favorite response to her images is “I can’t believe that’s me!” Stacie has been featured in “Boudoir Photography: The Quick-Start Guide For Professional Photographers” by Ed Verosky and “Canon Speedlite System Digital Field Guide” by Michael Corsentino. She has also written two books, “5 Boudoir Poses, 15 Sellable Images“ and “How to be a Boudoir Bombshell”.
Follow Stacie on Facebook!
Want to see one of Stacie’s StickyAlbums? Download it HERE.
