Jason Vinson is one of the top 100 wedding photographers in North America. Based in Arkansas, he and his wife create unique and innovative images together for their clients. He's a photographer's photographer, always pushing the boundaries and playing around with his gear.
In this episode, Jason talks about how he is able to attract clients that both love and look for his creative work in their images. He also chats about his writing with Fstoppers and transitioning from a traditional full-time job to full-time photography.
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Editing Tips & Tricks, Mentorship & More
Join The Facebook Group: The Bearded Tog Podcast with Adam Mason
Follow Adam Mason
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My FREE Pricing Guide: Pricing Webinar and FREE PDF
Leave an iTunes Review: HERE
What did you learn from this episode? Have suggestions on another one? Let me know how it’s going
Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by mashed potato lover Adam Mason
Zoe Rain is a professional music and fashion photographer, based out of Chicago. She is most known for her work as Macklemore's tour photographer, as well as her recent work with Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, and more.
In this episode, Zoe talks about how she went from studying photography in high school to being on tour with Macklemore and creating a name for herself. She gives insight on when to work for free and how to license your photos to publications and get paid for it!
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Editing Tips & Tricks, Mentorship & More
Join The Facebook Group: The Bearded Tog Podcast with Adam Mason
Follow Adam Mason
Blog
Instagram
Twitter
My FREE Pricing Guide: Pricing Webinar and FREE PDF
Leave an iTunes Review: HERE
What did you learn from this episode? Have suggestions on another one? Let me know how it’s going
Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by mashed potato lover Adam Mason
Have you taken the purposeful steps to go full-time into your business? Have you crunched the numbers like your pricing and expenses, your portfolio and business relationships are intact?
In this episode, photographer Sam Hurd shares his story of how he went from working his day job in DC to shooting 50+ weddings a year, teaching workshops all over the globe, and positioned himself in the wedding industry as a champion.
We also talk about what camera gear Sam is digging right now, which is always a fun conversation!
Connect with Sam Hurd
samhurdphotography.com
Instagram @iamthesam
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Join The Facebook Group: The Bearded Tog Podcast with Adam Mason
Follow Adam Mason
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What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Any time someone pursues something, there's a series of moments or a season of transition. From fear of failure, to inspiration and dedication, to momentum and pride. These can be constant or ever-changing and we can become overwhelmed, paralyzed even of the effort and the daunting journey ahead.
But I believe you can do it! I am a testament to this as well as my buddy Natalie Franke, founder of Rising Tide Society, a network of creative entrepreneurs who believe in community over competition.
After years as a successful wedding photographer, Natalie saw a gap that needed to be filled. This is the truest calling of an entrepreneur.
In this episode, Natalie Franke opens up about her journey from wedding photographer, to Rising Tide Society and her latest adventure with HoneyBook and how she's handled all of those transitions. We both share tips on how to take on transitions and even talk about Rising Tide Society's "Tinder Moment".
Natalie Franke
Instagram: @nataliefranke
Website: nataliefranke.com
Rising Tide Society:
Website:risingtidesociety.com
Facebook Group: Rising Tide Society Facebook
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Follow Adam Mason
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Full show notes: adammason.com/blog
What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Please leave a review: bit.ly/beardedtog
Trying to figure out how to balance working your 9-5 with your freelance job? It can be challenging and you can feel overwhelmed.
In this episode of The Bearded Tog I discuss with Keith Lee how he balances a full-time job, having a family, and shooting 30 weddings a year! He's a busy man!!
Hopefully this episode can help you!
Follow Keith Lee:
Instagram: @keithleestudios & @keithleestudiosuncovered
Website: KeithleeStudios.com
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Follow Adam Mason
Blog
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Full show notes: adammason.com/blog
What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Please leave a review: bit.ly/beardedtog
What is virtual reality? Why is it so popular on YouTube, Facebook, and other sites?
New technologies can be hard to keep up with and know if we need to be aware of and implement them into our lives. Is VR something we should add or ignore?
In this episode of The Bearded Tog I talk with Griffin Harrington, a VR specialist for The Discovery Channel about the advances of VR in our culture, it's importance and how anyone can get started in VR.
WARNING: We get pretty nerdy, be ready!
Follow Griffin Harrington
Instagram: @griffinh
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Follow Adam Mason
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Full show notes: adammason.com/blog
What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Please leave a review: bit.ly/beardedtog
In this episode of The Bearded Tog I invite the creator and founder of Ugmonk, Jeff Sheldon onto the podcast to talk about his design and product company that he started with just one t-shirt, and now is his full-time job.
I found Jeff Sheldon while I was working at Apple with designer friend Brian Hoff. Brian showed me Jeff's work and t-shirts and I was hooked!
Jeff and I also talk about what was the tipping point for him in his business, how his family deals with working, and how his email list and sharing his process has helped further his business!
Follow Jeff Sheldon
Twitter: @ugmonk
Instagram: @ugmonk
Website: ugmonk.com
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Follow Adam Mason
Blog
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Full show notes: adammason.com/blog
What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Please leave a review: bit.ly/beardedtog
Ever wish you could only do one part of your job? And get paid even more for it? The easiest way to do that, is to specialize. Specializing brings you to the top of your industry and thus clients will pay more for that specialty because they're the kind of clients who look for that!
When you want a certain kind of pizza, you go to a place that specializes in it right? If you just want something generic, then you choose Domino's or whatever's in the frozen section of the grocery store.
In this episode, I talk with Tiffany Farley, motherhood photographer and founder of The Fount Collective, a community devoted to the art of being a mother about how she chose to niche down into motherhood photography and have a more successful and enjoyable business.
Tiffany also chats about email marketing, her strategy and there's even a surprise coming soon to her list if you sign up soon!
Full show notes: adammason.com/blog
Follow Tiffany Farley
Instagram: @tiffanylfarley
Website: www.tiffanyfarley.com
CONNECT
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What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Please leave a review: bit.ly/beardedtog
You're starting your business and you wonder to yourself "Should I be an LLC or a sole proprietorship?" What about a partnership? How do you know what's the best decision for you in the long run.
When I first started my business, I had these questions. Luckily, between having a great accountant and business lawyer, I was able to get set up properly in my state and with my business structure.
Also, if you've been in business for a while, it may be an appropriate time to update or change a few things. You could be losing money, at risk of someone else using your company name, or other kinds of situations.
In this episode, Skyler Showell of Showell Ventures LLC and I discuss the common mistakes businesses make when it comes to legal situations and how to set yourself up for success.
Here's the gist: The more you do now, the less hypothetical rough situations could hurt down the road.
Skyler has graciously offered to answer any questions and he's been my lawyer a while now. He's helped me with trademark and copyright, as well as a few other legal matters.
Full show notes: adammason.com/blog
Follow Skyler Showell
Twitter: @skylershowell
Website: showellvc.com
Email: sshowell@showellvc.com
Listen to The Bearded Tog episode with Skyler Showell
CONNECT
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What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Please leave a review: bit.ly/beardedtog
This episode is incredibly special to me, as I've been a fan of Tony Hoffer's work and business style since before I was even a photographer. Between is love of people and working on his photography craft, he's become the most sought after photographer I know. He's been known to get up to 1,400 inquiries in 1 year!
How did Tony get that many inquiries? Was it advertising, SEO, social media or something else?
In this episode, I talk to Tony candidly about where he started, where he is, and where his company Hoffer Photography is headed. Few people work harder than Tony & Amy while building their business, and this episode is good for anyone looking to attract more clients.
Full show notes: adammason.com/blog
Follow Tony Hoffer
Instagram: @hofferphotography
Website: hofferphotography.com
Sign up for the next Hoffer Workshop!
CONNECT
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What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Please leave a review: bit.ly/beardedtog
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I wrote a LONG blog post with all of the notes from the episode, so if you want them you can checkout episode 11's shownotes.
Follow Adam Mason on Instagram: @adaminspired
What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Andy Barron is a music & celebrity photographer. His website is littered with images from artists like U2, Alabama Shakes, Foster the People, Kendrick Lamar, The Civil Wars and more. He's toured with many bands like Switchfoot, Foster the People, and is currently on tour with the wonderful Chris Stapleton.
Even being around big name bands, Andy's a humble and laid back guy who's first goal is never just images of an artist. His first goal is to love people first and form relationships. This not only makes him a more enjoyable member of projects and tour, but also will create better images in the long run as artist are more comfortable with him knowing he's a friend, rather than only a photographer.
Full show notes: adammason.com/blog
Follow Andy Barron:
Instagram: @andybarron
Website: andybarron.com
CONNECT
Blog
Instagram
Twitter
What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Please leave a review: bit.ly/beardedtog
Ever wanted to get into boudoir photography but don't know where or how to start? How do you earn trust with clients?
How do you show your work?
My good friend Keith Lee has been doing boudoir for years alongside his amazing wife Ali Lee. Together they create amazing images, trust with their clients, and long lasting relationships.
In this episode, as someone who's never shot boudoir, I ask Keith Lee both the business questions, and the awkward ones! How does he approach boudoir as a man, where as the industry is primarily women? What does the process look like for building new clientele and ultimately, how does he stay creatively satisified?
If you're curious about starting your own boudoir photography business, or just want to hear some of the hilarious and thoughtful stuff Keith has to share, take a listen to episode 009!
Follow Keith Lee:
Instagram: @keithleestudios & @keithleestudiosuncovered
Website: KeithleeStudios.com
CONNECT
Blog
Instagram
Twitter
What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Please leave a review: bit.ly/beardedtog
Happy New Year! In our last episode we talked about accomplishing huge goals, one bite at a time. I thought in the spirit of transparency and to help those still looking for ideas or maybe who got their goals started late, that I should share some of my personal goals and the system I use to create those goals.
I believe everyone should have at least one big scary goal. If it doesn't scare you, it's not worth pursuing!
If you want to know the quick trick to making sure your goals are a good mix of scary yet achievable, especially through the S.M.A.R.T method, take a listen to this episode!
Also, let me know what you think of my goals and share some of yours!
What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Full Show Notes: https://adammason.com/blog
Please leave a review: bit.ly/beardedtog
How do you want to feel at the END of 2017? What huge goals do you want to accomplish in 2017 that you're nervous about?
In this episode, I outline my method for accomplishing big goals. Just this year, I paid off over $40,000 in student loans, enhanced the SEO of my website, and ran my first 5K. Businesses aren't successful without goals and growth, but figuring out what your goals are and how to get there can be daunting.
Here's the basic secret to accomplishing big goals: smaller goals. Starting with goals so small they seem easy to you, is my favorite way to accomplish goals. I look at those small goals as what it takes for each day to feel successful, so that way on days when I feel like I've been scrambling or haven't accomplished anything, that day was still a success.
When you nail down the small goals, you crank up the intensity and add more smaller goals that are part of your bigger goals. Keep making it easy, while making it difficult. Do it.
What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
Follow Adam Mason on Instagram: @adaminspired
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Full Show Notes: adammason.com/blog
What if you made a decision to copy off of a competitor because it was a good idea but then years later realized it didn't fit with who you really were? Is everything in your business a good representative of who you are?
When I first started Mason Photography, I was so nervous about intersecting my personality with my business. I was so scared that if I showed any emotion whether positive or negative in my business, that it would come off unprofessional or childish.
But the past two years, that's basically all changed and I'm more happy than I ever could've been with where my business is at. My clients know me even better, and I attract clients that love both my work and my mission. You know folks that love that coffee shop or specific wine? They pay more for the things that resonate with them. The same can be true for you if your product and brand personality are apparent in your business.
In this episode, Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason and Abby Grace of Abby Grace Photography talk openly about having a brand that is true to yourself and how that attracts the BEST clientele. We also chat about Abby's love of all things Paris and Ballet, and how her personal work is where her creativity thrives. Oh, and of course we talk about Harry Potter a bit, Abby is a huge fan!
If you're a photographer, Abby Grace has a ton of free resources for photographers on her blog but for more substantial education, she even has a few courses in her shop! I've read a ton of her blog posts and benefitted greatly from it.
Follow Abby Grace Photography on Instagram: @abbygracephoto
Follow Adam Mason on Instagram: @adaminspired
What did you learn from this episode? What are you most afraid of? Email me: thebeardedtog@gmail.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Full Show Notes: adammason.com/bearded-tog-episode-006-abby-grace-photo-attracting-better-clients
How much does social media really matter in your business? We always hear that it's important, but does it actually ever bring us clients or opportunities? For my good friend Bryan Minear, it has done both!
In this episode, Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason and Instagram Master Bryan Minear discuss how to grow your Instagram following, the awesome clients he's gained this year, and balancing a full-time job while freelancing. It's a pretty packed episode and one I wouldn't miss!
Follow Bryan Minear on Instagram: @bryanminear
Follow Adam Mason on Instagram: @adaminspired
What did you learn from Bryan Minear's interview? What clients are you hoping to get on Instagram? Email me: web@adammason.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Here's a secret in business, when ANYONE starts, they have no clue how to price themselves. Should they copy off of a local competitor? Should they price low to gain clients? How do you handle working for free?
In the FINAL episode of my 3 part series on Pricing Yourself For Long Term Success, I cover everyone's favorite topic: How much Money do you want to make? I also go into how to get local professionals to help you when you're starting!
Are you pricing yourself correctly?
Question: How much profit are you making off of each kind of service or product you offer? Email me: web@adammason.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Thank you so much for listening to The Bearded Tog!
Here's a secret in business, when ANYONE starts, they have no clue how to price themselves. Should they copy off of a local competitor? Should they price low to gain clients? How do you handle working for free?
In the second episode of my 3 part series on Pricing Yourself For Long Term Success, I cover how important it is to know how much each client or job cost you per occasion. This can either make you or break you, especially after you've gone through episode 1.
Are you pricing yourself correctly?
Question: How much profit are you making off of each kind of service or product you offer? Email me: web@adammason.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Thank you so much for listening to The Bearded Tog!
Here's a secret in business, when ANYONE starts, they have no clue how to price themselves. Should they copy off of a local competitor? Should they price low to gain clients? How do you handle working for free?
In the first episode of my 3 part series on Pricing Yourself For Long Term Success, I talk about the 1st step in figuring out your pricing for your business: the overall cost of running your business for a year.
Are you pricing yourself correctly?
Question: How are you pricing yourself? Email me: web@adammason.com
The Bearded Tog podcast is created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason
Thank you so much for listening to The Bearded Tog!
When I originally planned to launch this podcast, I wasn't planning on making it personal. But through the advice of a great friend, she simply said "you have to Adam. Your story stirs many hearts and don't hide it."
In all of it's vulnerable goodness, I share my story of being kicked out of college and through some life circumstances, found myself desiring to become a storyteller.
Question: What are you struggling with in taking your dream to a reality? Fear? Money? Clients? Email me: web@adammason.com
The Bearded Tog is a podcast created by Washington DC Wedding Photographer Adam Mason.