In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Closser speaks with Ukrainian photographer Oksana Kami about how to grow your portrait business—specifically how her private Facebook group has become an important piece of marketing for her Chicago-area studio. 

When Kami opened her portrait studio, her clientele came mostly from Chicago’s vibrant Ukrainian community. New clients came from seeing her portraits on their friend’s social media. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian community have shifted their resources to help people in Ukraine, and Kami had to pivot her marketing strategy to draw clients from other Chicago communities. Starting a private Facebook group has been central to growing her portrait business with a new client base. Kami began by inviting her Facebook and Instagram followers to join the group and expanded her reach with “Invite-a-Friend Fridays.” The group is a place where Kami can display her portraits, share stories about clients, and help women understand that treating themselves helps them take care of their loved ones. 

[Read: Ukrainian Photographer Creates Portraits of Hope in a Time of War]

Kami says much of her messaging helps women understand “the better you feel about yourself, the better your whole family will feel. . .Something that makes you happier. . .helps not only you but your whole environment.” 

Kami was born in the Soviet Union before Ukraine became its own country. At that time, it was understood that artists, by necessity, must starve to create great work. When Kami attended art school in Lviv, Ukraine, learning about artists like Salvador Dali made her question that long-held belief. After emigrating to the U.S., she encountered the teachings of Sue Bryce and embraced the ethos that an artist can be paid well for their work. In fact, a well-paid artist can produce even better work because of it. You can learn more about Kami and her work at Oksana Kami Portraits.                                                                                                                    

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.