Business + Marketing


Time-Saving Automation Tricks for Portrait Photographers

July 18, 2022

By Abbey Pleviak

In this episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Closser speaks with Atlanta, Georgia-based portrait and headshot photographer Mike Glatzer, who shares how his passion for time-saving automation allows him to run an efficient, profitable photography business (in addition to his full-time job as a project manager for a biomedical engineering company).

For Glatzer, photography is a family affair. He learned from and was inspired by his uncle Charles Glatzer, who is a wildlife photographer and Canon Explorer of Light. Glatzer has an equal passion for engineering, systems, and organization, which has served him well in utilizing ad developing time-saving tools that keep his portrait business on track. Fundamentally, Glatzer credits block scheduling for his core efficiency, which means on each given day of the week, he focuses on just one type of task, such as answering emails, having client consultations, or blogging. He relies on Click Up for scheduling and managing his administrative tasks, and he uses Dubsado, client relations management (CRM) software, for email templates and for sending out contracts, invoices, and requests for deposits.

Glatzer says, “I highly recommend investing in a CRM software as soon as you’re starting to feel a little busy.”

In addition to using time-saving automation software, Glatzer also has created several spreadsheets that allow him to track his income and expenses so that he can be sure he is allocating his time and resources where it counts the most. Keeping track of expenses has helped him cut down on unnecessary expenditures while his client data sheet has helped him understand what areas of his business are most profitable. By tracking where his leads come from and which ones convert at the highest rates, he knows where to focus his energy on lead generation. Glatzer points out that while setting up automated and manual systems takes time and energy, the efficiency it leads to is well worth the time up front to save the time in the long run.

time-saving automation tips by Mike Glatzer.

You can learn more about Mike Glatzer and his work at Mike Glatzer 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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