What separates the photographers who stay consistently booked from those who struggle month to month?

In this episode, Ina sits down with Andrew Hellmich, host of the legendary PhotobizX Podcast and one of the most respected voices in the photography business world. After more than 600 interviews, Andrew has seen the patterns, the pitfalls, and the powerful habits that set successful photographers apart.

They dive into what’s actually working right now in 2025, why so many photographers overcomplicate marketing, and the surprisingly simple strategies that consistently generate more bookings, higher sales, and better clients.

Andrew also shares his insights on:

• Why the fastest-growing photographers are willing to get people in front of their camera for free
• How to turn cold interest into paid clients through an intentional process
• What most photographers misunderstand about pricing and perceived value
• The difference between “busywork” and revenue-generating activity
• How high-performing studios nurture relationships and create repeat clients
• Why photographers must prioritise experience over perfection

Ina and Andrew also unpack the psychology behind offers, the power of connection, and why real growth comes from showing up and serving, not shouting louder online.

Whether you’re a pet photographer or any portrait photographer wanting more consistency, this episode is packed with clarity, strategy, and mindset shifts you can implement straight away.

Andrew Hellmich is a wedding and portrait photographer who built a thriving business in the Central Coast of NSW. He’s the host of PhotobizX, one of the most influential photography business podcasts in the world, interviewing hundreds of industry leaders and uncovering what truly works for photographers wanting profitable, fulfilling businesses.

PhotoBizX Podcast: https://photobizx.com

PhotoBizX Premium Membership: https://photobizx.com/premium-membership

Facebook: https://facebook.com/photobizx

Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode? ⁠Apply here⁠

Instagram: @inaj.thepetphotoceo

Email: ina@inajphotography.com

Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: Learn More

If you love this podcast, you’ll love the conversations happening inside the Pet Photographers’ Collective on Skool — it’s a free community for pet photographers who want to build a profitable, sustainable business with less overwhelm.

Inside, Ina shares:

✨ Practical marketing tips

✨ Business lessons and mindset shifts

✨ Free resources to help you grow

Connect with other photographers who get it and start creating a business that truly supports your life, not consumes it.

Join here →

What does it really take to run a profitable, sustainable photography business, one that still feels creative and fun?

In this episode, Ina chats with Annemie Tonkin, photographer, educator, and founder of This Can’t Be That Hard, about the business strategies that actually work and why success isn’t just about talent, but about understanding how to think like a business owner.

They dive into what’s working right now in a changing economy, how to bring creativity into your business strategy, and why photographers should stop trying to “get it right” and instead focus on consistent action. Annemie also shares how her Membership Model transformed her photography business, creating predictable income and stronger client loyalty and how any photographer can adapt it, even with in-person sales.

Plus, they explore how AI can support creativity instead of replacing it, and what to do if you’ve been resisting new technology (hint: it’s time to get curious).

• Why the photographers who thrive long-term focus as much on business as they do on their craft
• How to build a membership model that creates recurring income
• The creative “white space” habit that sparks your best business ideas
• Using AI to enhance your creative process (without losing your voice)
• The importance of fresh ideas, novelty, and attention in a crowded market
• Why embracing innovation is the key to staying relevant in 2025 and beyond

The Photo Elf:

Based on the “Secret Santa” strategy from Sleigh Your Social, The Photo Elf helps photographers boost holiday sales with a fun, done-for-you gifting app.

✨ Try it here — available free using code PHOTOELF25 until Nov 17 (Nov 16 for US)!

This Can’t Be That Hard with Annemie Tonkin

Website: thiscantbethathard.com

Instagram: @thiscantbethathard_

Annemie Tonkin is a photographer, educator, and founder of This Can’t Be That Hard — a platform empowering photographers to build profitable, sustainable businesses through smart systems, creative strategies, and modern marketing. With 16+ years in family photography, she’s helped thousands of photographers simplify their business, stay creative, and rediscover the joy that drew them to photography in the first place.

✨ Want to Be Coached Live?

Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode? ⁠Apply here⁠

📲 Connect with Ina

Instagram: @inaj.thepetphotoceo

Email: ina@inajphotography.com

Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: Learn More

If you love this podcast, you’ll love the conversations happening inside the Pet Photographers’ Collective on Skool — it’s a free community for pet photographers who want to build a profitable, sustainable business

If your website feels like a digital business card instead of a lead-converting machine… this episode will help you change that.

I’m joined by the brilliant Mikaela, founder of Pet Marketing Unleashed and the host of the Pet Marketing Unleashed Podcast. She designs high-converting pet business websites (yes… including pet photographers) and teaches SEO in a way that finally makes sense.

We chat about how your website can become the hardest-working part of your business. Even when you're sleeping. Even when the algorithm feels like chaos.

Inside the episode:

✅ What SEO actually means in 2025

✅ Why you probably don’t need to hire someone monthly to “do your SEO”

✅ The #1 area to fix first if your website isn’t converting

✅ How to stop attracting low-intent enquiries

✅ Blogging topics that actually drive bookings

✅ Simple ways to track what’s working

✅ How AI search is changing what Google wants to see

✅ What your homepage must include above the fold

✅ Why clear, human messaging converts more than pretty layouts

✅ Should you have a freebie or opt-in? And where should it go?

If you want more enquiries from people who actually value artwork and full-service photography, make this episode your next listen.

• Pet photographer website template: https://www.petmarketingunleashed.com/pet-photographer-website-template
• Website headline tips blog: https://www.petmarketingunleashed.com/post/website-headlines
• SEO course for pet businesses: https://www.petmarketingunleashed.com/seo-course
• Copywriting service: https://www.petmarketingunleashed.com/copywriting
• 18 blog ideas for pet photographers: https://www.petmarketingunleashed.com/post/blog-post-ideas-pet-photographers

Mikaela is the founder of Pet Marketing Unleashed and host of The Pet Marketing Unleashed Podcast. She helps petpreneurs build stress-free businesses with strategic branding and websites that work hard for them. With the right systems and messaging in place, she supports pet business owners in attracting dream clients with ease.

Explore Mikaela’s resources:

Website: www.petmarketingunleashed.com

Podcast: https://www.petmarketingunleashed.com/podcast

Instagram: @petmarketingunleashed

✨ Want to Be Coached Live?

Interested in being featured on a future coaching episode?

Apply here: https://forms.gle/oocMwawVB3de6aM29

📲 Connect with Ina

Instagram: @inaj.thepetphotoceo

Email: ina@inajphotography.com

Mentoring & Coaching for Pet Photographers: