In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Closser speaks with Columbia, South Carolina, photographer Stephanie Williams about her formula for five-figure portrait income in her photography business, which focuses primarily on personal branding sessions and families. She currently brings in between $15,000 and $20,000 every month.

Williams had a successful corporate career in human resources for many years until her active-duty military husband was called to South Korea for a year. They had just had their first child, and Williams decided to take the leap and leave her job so that her family could stay together. Her husband had given her a camera as a Christmas gift, and she decided to learn all about photography, including the business, while she was abroad. Williams came across Sue Bryce on YouTube and soon found herself practicing posing on the other military wives.

When they returned to South Carolina, Williams decided to focus on photography full time, opening her own business shortly after having her second child. Fortunately, her husband received a post for the rest of his military career in Columbus, so Williams has been able to put down strong roots in the area. Initially, she joined up with several business networking groups, which got her connected in the community. Now, she primarily relies on social media and referrals for bringing in new clients.

Williams’ finds that her personal branding photography feeds into the other areas of her business. Her monthly headshot marathon day is a key piece of her revenue, and many clients who come in for a mini session come back for a full shoot later. “Headshots are a need. So a lot of times it’s somebody who needs branding images, but they’re like, ‘I just need to get started. I need to have a really great LinkedIn profile. I need to have something to put on Instagram to introduce myself. Financially, I’m not there yet to do the brand.’ So, they come in for that first little need, and then they do come back later.” Often they come back with their spouses and their children. Prioritizing selling wall art to families has also been a factor in raising Williams’ monthly financial income, and it gives her personal satisfaction to work with families, especially other mothers.

You can learn more about Stephanie Williams and her five-figure portrait income business on her website.

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.  

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