Maximizing Photography Business Success: A Conversation with Maggie Robinson on Sales, Workflow, AI Retouching, and Work-Life Balance
In this insightful podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maggie Robinson, a seasoned photographer who specializes in photographing large, challenging families. Maggie also runs Tog Academy, where she educates photographers on how to build profitable, sustainable businesses through in-person sales. During our conversation, we touched on several key aspects of running a successful photography business, including the importance of adapting to client needs, leveraging technology like AI for retouching, and the value of in-person sales.
Adapting Your Style to Meet Client Needs
One of the most compelling points Maggie made was the importance of creating a product that the client truly wants to buy, rather than focusing solely on what the photographer wants to sell. While many photographers prefer to stick to their established style, Maggie emphasizes the flexibility needed to accommodate client requests. She shared an example of using Evoto’s color match feature to match a client’s Pinterest inspiration for a cake smash session, illustrating the power of adapting your work to meet client expectations.
The ability to adapt stylistically doesn’t mean abandoning your creative vision—it’s about finding a balance between your artistic preferences and what will resonate with your clients. Maggie’s approach reflects the idea that business is ultimately about meeting client needs. This philosophy aligns with the broader principle that photographers should be willing to go the extra mile to give clients what they want, even if it’s outside their usual style.
The Power of Evoto for AI Retouching
One tool that Maggie swears by for streamlining her post-production workflow is Evoto, an AI-powered retouching software. Maggie highlighted several features she regularly uses, particularly the “makeup” tool for quick and subtle enhancements to clients’ portraits. She demonstrated how the makeup tool allows for fast and effective skin smoothing, even on large family shoots with multiple generations, without the need for hours of manual work.
Evoto’s color match feature, which Maggie used to replicate a client’s desired desaturated style, was another standout. She discussed how color matching can be like using an action in Photoshop, but with a faster, more automated approach. With just a few clicks, photographers can match the tone of a reference image, and Maggie shared how she uses this feature to save valuable editing time.
The Importance of In-Person Sales
Beyond her photography and post-processing expertise, Maggie also discussed the importance of in-person sales (IPS) as part of her business model. While some photographers shy away from sales, Maggie sees it as an essential process that is just as important as capturing great images. She noted that many talented photographers struggle to sustain their businesses because they lack strong sales techniques. On the flip side, a photographer with average skills but strong sales abilities can build a thriving business.
At Tog Academy, Maggie trains photographers on how to effectively implement IPS. She explained that sales shouldn’t be seen as a one-time event but as a continuous process that starts with understanding client needs, continues through the consultation, and culminates in the final sale. Maggie’s approach involves educating photographers on how to engage with clients in a way that feels natural and non-pushy, ensuring that clients feel confident and comfortable with their decisions.
Tailoring Your Editing and Workflow
Maggie also shared how she tailors her editing process based on the specifics of each shoot. For family sessions, where you’re working with different ages and skin tones, Maggie creates presets that are customized for each session. She even demonstrated how she tweaks color match settings to suit specific clients and situations, ensuring that each set of images feels unique and professionally done.
The flexibility to adjust the opacity and intensity of edits in Evoto was another major benefit Maggie highlighted. By fine-tuning these settings, she can create a look that matches the client’s expectations without over-editing or making images feel artificial. This adaptability is key to running a successful business, where time is precious and each client is looking for something different.
A New Balance: Time for Passion and Socializing
As Maggie’s business has grown more streamlined and efficient, thanks to her refined workflows and focus on in-person sales, she’s gained the freedom to explore new passions and activities outside of photography. Maggie now has more time to indulge in her love for baking, cooking, and entertaining. She shared how the ability to streamline her business has led to a better work-life balance, allowing her to focus on personal enjoyment and socializing with friends and family.
Maggie’s experience proves that creating a successful, sustainable business doesn’t mean sacrificing your personal life. With the right systems in place, you can not only run a profitable business but also have time to pursue your passions and nurture relationships.
Final Thoughts
Maggie Robinson’s approach to photography and business is a perfect blend of creativity, technology, and sales expertise. By using AI tools like Evoto to streamline her workflow and focusing on in-person sales to build lasting client relationships, she has created a sustainable, profitable business. Her philosophy of meeting clients where they are stylistically and providing a top-tier experience from start to finish is a valuable lesson for any photographer looking to elevate their business.
For more information on Maggie’s work and her in-person sales training, check out Tog Academy and start implementing these strategies in your own business.
