I started educating photographers back in 2010. I was still a newer photographer myself and while I didn’t think that I had figured it all out, I was willing to share what I DID know at the time because I was grateful for those who had helped me in the past. I didn’t lose anything by sharing my knowledge… but I gained so much.  The most rewarding part of being a photography educator is seeing the results that my students are getting! Whether their work is being transformed, their prices are increasing or their office lives are finally less stressful and more organized, we’re thrilled for the growth they are experiencing!!

Today I want you to meet some old friends and a new friend who are all a part of KJ Education to some degree. My hope is that their stories, victories and journey’s will inspire you, whatever your story may be, to never stop growing and learning new things about what you love to do!!!

First, I would love for you to meet my friend Terri! Terri has been a sweet friend of ours for years. I can vividly remember the first time I met Terri and just being amazed at her beautiful smile and joyful personality! She is a past KJ Workshop attendee and coaching student who has done incredible things in her business!!! We are so proud of Terri because not only has she grown her business to be a highly profitable career, but she has also become an incredible public speaker in our industry!!! I’m so excited for all that is in store for her business in the future and I’m also THRILLED to be joining her on an Instagram Live on August 11th, 2020!

MEET TERRI: 

1. What has recently happened in your business that has made you step back and go “Oh my gosh! That just happened?!”

Wow, it’s always tough for me to talk about myself. Due to Covid-19, I’ve participated in a host of panels on various topics related to the wedding industry. I was honored to be a panelist for the Wedding Wire Wedding Pro “How to Take Action and Cultivate Positive Change in the Industry” as well as being a guest on The Knot’s weekly IG live Wedding Wednesday segment where I shared tips for couples working thru these challenging times. Also, due to Covid-19, I’ve been on a wedding team that has several clients that desire micro weddings in order to keep their original wedding date. This has allowed me to work in some wishlist venues, albeit on a smaller scale.

– What part of your KJ Education experience has impacted you the most?

I’ve participated in so many KJ Education experiences from one-on-one coaching (2013) to the in-person Workshop Experience to All Access and each one helped me grow during different stages in my business. Currently, the monthly All Access Subscription always pushes me to find the best lighting situations and portrait locations no matter the type of wedding that I am photographing. I also loved the Posing Course because it allowed me to become more confident giving my clients direction and also helped shaped my client experience because I was no longer stuck on the fundamentals and could focus on ensuring the clients are having a great time with me.

– If you could sit down with a photographer that feels incredibly defeated and discouraged, what would you say to help them? Is there a story of overcoming and victory in your own story that you could share?

Sure, I’ve had the opportunity to share my journey with newer photographers and I always share that I did not get here overnight. There are still some days where I look at my work and see things I could have done better, but the growth that I’ve experienced over the years has helped me to realize that being open to growing, learning and continuing to invest in my education is key. I remind them to develop their style and brand personality as they learn versus trying to mimics another person’s success because that’s where I made mistakes early in business. I’ve found that still investing in my education after I found my style has still been key to allowing my to differentiate my work and my client experience. We all start somewhere. Keep going!

FOLLOW TERRI: Instagram, Website

I have to admit that if you’re in the KJ Education community and you’re a guy, you’re severely outnumbered! We have so many female photographers who are growing and learning in our educational courses and membership site. However, the male photographers that are present in our community are awesome! They bring such a fresh perspective to conversations and dialogue that take place in our Facebook groups and they are constantly challenging me (in a good way!) to remember that my way of communication and marketing needs to be explained in a way that will apply and resonate to ALL students! Cody is an amazing member of our community! I appreciate his posts and his amazing examples of how he is connecting his tribe and is growing his business in his own way!!! I’m excited for you to get to know him!

MEET CODY:

1. What has recently happened in your business that has made you step back and go “Oh my gosh! That just happened?!”

The thing that made me go “Oh my gosh!” was booking clients doubled my original price and now doubled that amount again! I was charging $500 a wedding and after all my education I’m booking brides at 2K. I also had a moment when I realized how many pictures I was taking in such a short period. I’d have what I feel like a rough session but still deliver 40+ solid images!

2. What part of your KJ Education experience has impacted you the most?

Wow that’s so hard to say! My editing was literally horrible. When I look back at it now I cringe super hard and know why no one contacted me. My consistency now is game changing. But the Posing Course also allows my posing to be second nature so I can focus my energy on other things. And the Lighting & Location Course set me up for easier editing and way better photos. I honestly can’t pick! But maybe posing because it helps my clients feel more comfortable and fall in love with my goofy self.

3. If you could sit down with a photographer that feels incredibly defeated and discouraged, what would you say to help them? Is there a story of overcoming and victory in your own story that you could share?

If I could sit down with another photographer: I’d tell them to invest in themself. Always be looking for answers. When you have a problem like editing or posing look for resources and invest in yourself. Would you rather sit and cry about why you can’t pose or edit? Or would you rather invest a few hundred dollars to make it a solid part of your business. I’ve spent many days crying about these issues and it wasn’t until I invested in myself that I saw results.

FOLLOW CODY: Instagram, Website

I specifically remember sitting across from Angie back in the day when I did coaching sessions and hearing her talk about her baby boy. I was so far from being a mom and I was only in business-mode and so looking back, I have so much respect for her and the drive and ambition she has even in the midst of being a new parent! Now she’s a momma of two! Her little boy isn’t so little anymore and she has a new baby boy in her life with a smile as big as hers!! I’m proud of Angie because she has not only grown her own photography business but she has also grown her business to include amazing Branding Photography Education for other photographers!!!

MEET ANGIE:

1. What has recently happened in your business that has made you step back and go “Oh my gosh! That just happened?!”

Through my work, I’ve been able to guide over 200 photographers in building a branding photography business. I’m so impressed by the growth and results that my rockstar students have shared with me! Their success is my success and I’ve found great joy in growing alongside them.

2. What part of your KJ Education experience has impacted you the most?

Over the years, being able to see behind-the-scenes videos of Katelyn interacting with her clients has been SO impactful. The way she gives instruction in such a positive, gentle way and truly serves her clients has always inspired me as a photographer. 

3. If you could sit down with a photographer that feels incredibly defeated and discouraged, what would you say to help them? Is there a story of overcoming and victory in your own story that you could share?

If I could sit down with a photographer that feels defeated and discouraged, I would encourage them to become a master of their craft and not be afraid to try something new. In the midst of having shoots rescheduled or canceled due to Covid-19 and caring for my 2 young children,  I immersed myself into product photography so that I could still work from home. Offering this service as a subset of branding photography has brought in recurring revenue and opportunities to work with exciting new brands! Diversifying your portfolio and services can absolutely set you up for success in hard times!

FOLLOW ANGIE: Instagram, Website

Friends, I hope you enjoyed meeting some of our students!! There are thousands of KJ students and while I can’t highlight every single one of them, my goal is to share and celebrate a few students at a time every month!! We are so thankful for those that trust us with their education and that share their lives with us! Thank you Terri, Cody and Angie!!!!