In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Closser speaks with Puyallup, Washington, portrait photographer Angie Whitten about how networking and relationship-building has played a key role in increasing her starting sales average of $200 to $2,750.

Whitten worked in the automotive industry for 20 years before being laid off. Initially, she searched for work with other car dealerships, but her fiancé encouraged her to pursue photography since it had always been a passion. In addition to seeking more photography education with Sue Bryce Education (now called The Portrait System) and the New York Institute of Photography, Whitten also joined a local business networking group that spurred her to develop her skills quickly. Initially, she was the only photographer in the group, so whenever someone needed a photograph in any genre, she was ready to learn how to shoot that genre and provide those images. As the group grew and more photographers joined, Whitten started hosting the group, in part to make sure she stood out in the crowd.

[Read: Make a Five-Figure Portrait Income Every Month]

Although Whitten had plenty of business, she was still not charging what she was worth. Another professional networking experience encouraged her to make that leap. She says, “In 2019, I went to The Portrait Masters Conference, and [it was a revelation] just being around like-minded people who were successful. . . and seeing that there were people who were newer than me in smaller towns, and they had people who would pay [industry-standard prices]. It was like, ‘Well, I need to do something here. I need to take some action.’ So, I went outside of my comfort zone, and I did it. And now I’m actually more booked than I was back when I was the $400-for-everything person.”

When Whitten first started networking, she would encourage people to send clients her way. Now, she creates a relationship with them—when they need a photographer, they automatically come to her. After the phenomenal experience they have with her, they also refer her plenty of business without her ever needing to chase a sale.

You can learn more about Angie Whitten’s photography at Harmony Photography. 

The Portrait System Podcast helps portrait photographers navigate the world of photography, business, money, and much more. Hosted by Nikki Closser, the podcast is powered by The Portrait System, a comprehensive, online educational platform that teaches all aspects of running a successful portrait photography studio.