In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Closser speaks with Wyoming photographer Cari Faye about how switching to in-person sales made her business so profitable she was able to quit her part-time job to do portrait photography full time. 

Faye mainly focuses on high school seniors, families, and women’s portraiture, which includes boudoir-style photography both indoors and outdoors. She has been in the photography business for 12 years—ever since her early graduation from college at the age of 18—but she has only gone full-time into photography in the last three years. Her daughter’s birth catalyzed her to take control of her photography business, and the teachings of Sue Bryce gave her the tools she needed to do so. For Faye, this involved working on her self-confidence, valuing her work enough to charge industry standard prices, and moving to in-person sales. 

Says Faye: “For anyone who’s listening, and you’re scared to make the jump to start in-person sales, just make the jump. Just do it and commit because it will literally change your life, and it’ll change how you value yourself. It’ll change how you value your business. For me, it has changed the quality of my work because for every single photo shoot, I have to show up and give 110%. I have to be in my zone. And, I have to deliver images that are thoughtful and powerful, and showcase the strengths of my clients.” 
 
Doing in-person photo reveals and sales also helped Faye have a greater emotional connection with her clients. Now, she is able to experience first-hand how her clients feel about the portraits she has made for them, and the majority of her clients cry tears of joy when they see their images. You can learn more about Cari Faye’s portrait photography business at Cari Faye Photography.  

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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