New Jersey wedding photographer Kiamarie Lambert has an average sale of $8,500 per couple. In a recent episode of The Portrait System Podcast, Lambert shared photo advice with host Nikki Closser about how she gets her Instagram profile to bring almost as much business as word of mouth.

In this bonus Q&A, Lambert shares even more advice for photographers, including what has helped her breakthrough to another level in her business, how she creates a great connection with her clients that puts them at ease, and advice for overcoming common mistakes for new photography entrepreneurs.

[Read: A Wedding Instagram to Swoon Over]

What has been your biggest breakthrough in business?  

Hiring a part-time office assistant. A lot of the smaller tasks that took up a LARGE part of my day have been delegated to her and freed my time up tremendously. I am now able to pour more into the business end of things.

Making a connection with your subject is one of the most important parts of a great portrait. How do you make lasting connections with your clients?

I treat all of my clients like friends. We chat often before we even shoot, on text, on social media and even through email. By the time we are together for their session or their wedding, we are chatting about everyday things and the tension level isn’t as high.

 
For someone starting out on their photography journey what advice would you have for them? 

Hire a mentor. We have already made the usual mistakes and know the best path forward. If you are not in a position to afford a mentor, offer to 3rd shoot or even assist local photographers in your area.

  
Do you regret any decisions you have made in your business?

Only being friends with photographers. I alienated so many other creatives by keeping myself in a circle that only included other photographers. I also spent way too much money on all the latest gear fads and trends. I bought more equipment than I needed and ended up selling most of it for way less than I paid. I still think of those huge monetary losses.

  
Everyone has a favorite shoot – tell us about yours and why it’s your favorite. 

I had the opportunity to shoot a styled wedding at Ernest Hemingway’s home in Key West. It was like a tropical dream come true. It was also the first time I got to shoot and develop rolls of film that had tons of bright colors included and it blew me away! Afterwards, we went parasailing!

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