In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Closser speaks with Canadian portrait photographer Adrienne Guinn of Vital Image about how, in just two years, she went from earning $15,000 a year to earning $10,000 a month with a $2,000 average sale. 

Guinn is a glamour and headshot photographer based in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island in Canada. She says she started out as a hobbyist photographer but when the pandemic began, she left her day job of hairdressing behind and opened her portrait photography business. Guinn initially used a 40 Over 40 campaign—a series of portraits celebrating the beauty of women over 40 years of age—to bring awareness to her business and bring clients through the door. The campaign helped her receive as many as 20 inquiries a day. Then, Guinn steadily increased her prices as she developed her signature glamour-style portrait experience for women of all ages. She also continues to offer headshots for those who desire a more basic experience.

Through it all, the portrait photographer has kept a close eye on her expenses, so that she can carefully gauge the value of her product and service. She says, “If you do the math, you know where you need to be priced.” Guinn and Closser discuss various strategies for pricing, such as where to set your session fee so you don’t suffer losses. Above all, Guinn shares that with all the challenges of running her own business, there is nothing so valuable as absolutely loving what you do for a living.

Interested in hearing all about Adrienne Guinn’s portrait sales? Click the on the audio clip at top.

The Portrait System Podcast helps portrait photographers navigate the world of photography, business, money, and much more. Hosted by Nikki Closser, the pod 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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