The Portrait System Podcast

594
Marketing #100

Join in as Nikki Closser, a mentor in the Sue Bryce Education community, interviews photographers who manage successful portrait photography businesses from around the globe using the business model Sue Bryce teaches. Subscribe to hear stories that will fast track your success and transform you as a photographer and business owner.

Recent Episodes
  • Working Full-Time While Shooting Fine Arts Drag Portraits with David Franco (Re-Release)
    Apr 8, 2025 – 00:43:59
  • How Tyler Clement Got A $1900 Sales Average Listening To The Portrait System Podcast
    Mar 31, 2025 – 00:55:49
  • Diving Deep Into Marketing & Personal Stories with Sophia Barrett (Re-Release)
    Mar 26, 2025 – 00:43:42
  • How Sophia Barrett Got Her Starting Price To $4500 (Re-Release)
    Mar 19, 2025 – 00:43:19
  • Going From $50 to $6500 Minimum Per Photoshoot with Damaly Shepherd (Re-Release)
    Mar 13, 2025 – 00:54:00
  • How to Infuse Your Own Lifestyle Into Your Marketing with Chris Orwig (Re-Release)
    Mar 4, 2025 – 01:06:29
  • Overcoming Frustration & Unlocking Success with Sissela Johansson (Re-Release)
    Feb 28, 2025 – 01:01:41
  • From Corporate Layoff To Headshot Success with Tiffany Chapman
    Feb 17, 2025 – 00:56:48
  • Booking 40 Shoots Within 6 Month of Starting a Business with Kelsey Comer (Re-Release)
    Feb 11, 2025 – 00:49:07
  • How to Charge Higher Prices in a Small Town with Jessica Malone (Re-Release)
    Feb 5, 2025 – 00:50:47
  • Boosting Your Sales with Tik Tok with David Suh (Re-release)
    Jan 29, 2025 – 00:53:01
  • Celebrity Photographer & Published Author Matthew Jordan Smith Shares How he Turned his Passion into Success (Re-Release)
    Jan 20, 2025 – 00:47:53
  • From The Corporate World To A $5k+ Average Sale with Tanya Smith
    Jan 15, 2025 – 00:53:43
  • Manifestation & Mindset with Sue Bryce (Re-Release)
    Jan 6, 2025 – 01:09:09
  • How Maternity & Motherhood Photographer Lola Melani Manifested Her Business (Re-Release)
    Dec 31, 2024 – 01:05:17
  • Realizing your Self-Worth and Jumping from $50 to $2000 per Photoshoot with Emma Burcusel (Re-Release
    Dec 24, 2024 – 00:53:59
  • Sue Bryce on Valuing Your Work and Increasing Your Income (Re-release)
    Dec 23, 2024 – 01:19:44
  • Jerry Ghionis Shares the Personal and Professional Struggles He Faced on his Way to Success (Re-Release)
    Dec 16, 2024 – 01:14:08
  • Burned Out Wedding Photographer to a 6 Figure Portrait Business with Ashleigh Taylor (Re-Release)
    Dec 3, 2024 – 00:59:24
  • My 1st $1000 Sale (Re-Release)
    Nov 30, 2024 – 00:56:24
  • Photographer, Author & Educator Roberto Valenzuela's Secrets to Success (Re-Release)
    Nov 25, 2024 – 01:15:09
  • Sue Bryce Teaches How Brand Clarity Leads to Sales (Re-Release)
    Nov 18, 2024 – 01:12:50
  • Juggling A Successful Portrait Business & Creative Work with Suszi McFadden
    Nov 10, 2024 – 01:00:35
  • From Photography Burnout To Loving Your Business Again with Bethany Quinn
    Oct 29, 2024 – 00:57:43
  • How Jyo Bhamidipati Brought Her Beautiful Family Portrait Style To Her Commercial Work
    Oct 25, 2024 – 01:04:01
  • How Angelia Malbrew Quit Her Corporate Job To Become A Powerhouse Networker & Photographer
    Oct 14, 2024 – 01:03:46
  • Senior Photographer Mary Vance Talks Inclusivity & Success
    Oct 8, 2024 – 00:54:26
  • How To Create Scroll-Stopping Images with Gilmar Smith
    Sep 30, 2024 – 00:57:05
  • Get FULLY BOOKED While Being The Most Expensive Photographer In Your Area with Marta Ponsko
    Sep 23, 2024 – 01:04:45
  • From I.T To Luxury Wedding & Portrait Photography with Jesse Rinka
    Sep 16, 2024 – 00:58:34
  • Successful Marketing & Shooting Tips with Caroline Tran
    Sep 9, 2024 – 00:51:03
  • Save Time & Money By Improving Your Workflow with Scott Wyden-Kivowitz
    Sep 2, 2024 – 00:55:19
  • Sue Bryce Gives Us Her 5 Steps To Making More MONEY
    Aug 26, 2024 – 01:00:09
  • How Tia Haygood Achieved A $2k Sales Average With Virtual Networking
    Aug 19, 2024 – 00:57:49
  • How To Break Into Commercial Photography with Jonathan Thorpe
    Aug 12, 2024 – 00:55:24
  • How To Sell Print Products with Lynne Duval
    Aug 5, 2024 – 00:56:02
  • How A Single Mom Supports A Family Of 4 With Her Photography Income with Christine Sara
    Jul 29, 2024 – 00:55:45
  • Turn Your Wedding Clients Into Portrait Clients with Rebecca Nash-Emerson
    Jul 22, 2024 – 00:55:46
  • ANNE GEDDES Tells The Story Of Her PHENOMENAL Success
    Jul 15, 2024 – 00:59:53
  • From Burnout to Skyrocketing Success Through Personal Branding & Portraits with Tracey Hagen
    Jul 8, 2024 – 00:55:26
  • Get An $1800 Sales Average In A Small Town of 200 People with Lisa Derevycka
    Jul 1, 2024 – 00:59:47
  • How Liz Hansen Made A $1M Profit In A Year
    Jun 24, 2024 – 00:54:16
  • Stand Out Among Photographers & Raise Your Sales Average with Barkha Agarwal
    Jun 17, 2024 – 00:53:47
  • Sharing Your Business 50-50 With Another Photographer- with Nichole Kolb
    Jun 10, 2024 – 00:53:25
  • Running a 6 Figure Business In a Tiny Town In Canada with Kayla Butler
    Jun 3, 2024 – 00:54:17
  • Finding Photography Success With A Full-Time Job with Leandra Brown
    May 26, 2024 – 00:53:26
  • How Danielle Jenkins Reached a $4000+ Sales Average
    May 21, 2024 – 00:58:55
  • Finding The Right Pricing Model To Achieve A $2-3k Average Sale with Karissa Van Tassel
    May 13, 2024 – 00:54:43
  • How Former Kindergarten Teacher Sandra Coan Became Almost 100% Referral-Based
    May 6, 2024 – 00:56:31
  • How A Single Mom Made $100k In Her First Year Of Business with Sunshine White
    Apr 29, 2024 – 00:50:10
Recent Reviews
  • Suzy68tune
    Excellent photography business resource!
    I love this podcast so much. It is so full of information for new and established photographers! Nikki is an excellent host and she asks the questions that I want to know…the details from work flows to pricing to time management all in a friendly, thoughtful way! what I love most is that she stresses that there is no one right way to follow your photography dream. You get to hear from a huge amount of creatives who are successfully running their businesses their way. I can’t even express how much valuable information AND confidence I’ve gotten regarding my photography journey and life in general from this show.
  • Christal Houghtelling
    Love this podcast!
    I love this podcast so much! But it really bothers me that they do not link the photographers website or social media. I’m sure they could use the seo. This podcasts links all their own websites and links and I find it really disappointing and disrespectful. When I hear an inspiring photographer I would like to be able to go to the notes, and click on their website. Other than that, I love the show.
  • Staffordwifey
    The Best Podcast for a Portrait Photographer
    This podcast has been my favorite for 3 years now. I can say that I listen regularly and I am always looking forward to the next release. I listen to this on my way to the studio and as I edit. I love all the nuggets of knowledge and what everyone shares.
  • Gluacomole
    Frauds
    The latest episode with Josh Beaton exposed something I wasn’t aware of. But now my eyes are a little more open. He, and Nikki, both advised to setting up a 501c3 to make money as a photographer under the guise of giving back to the community. They specifically outline the steps on how to set it up and get paid by the foundation. In this episode Josh made the comment of “our clients were middle class white girls” and he alluded to the fact he wasn’t getting paid enough from that demographic. So he created a foundation to get millions donated by the Gates Family, Jeff Bezos ex wife and so on. He then made himself and his wife the head of the foundation to collect a salary from. It’s so disturbing that this is being taught in this industry. I was so shocked, but I guess I was naive. After browsing through his Instagram page I immediately noticed that his images are nothing special. They are basic. Then I checked out Nikki’s page. Again, nothing amazing here. I’ve always thought she was good but I never thought she was great. I’ve always wondered how she was placed on the same level as Sue B. Now, after hearing this episode, I understand more as to why they make tons of money. It’s all fake. We’ve all been fooled.
  • itsmedancing
    Life Changing
    I was so burnt out until I found SBE and this podcast. I’m now in the process of rebuilding my business and on my way to creating something that can actually sustain. I’m so encouraged and it was exactly the fire I needed to renew my strength. Thank you for such awesome education!
  • Lh0074
    Relatable, inspiring, and motivating!
    My favorite part of the podcast is hearing actual numbers and struggles. I love there isn't any gatekeeping and Nikki is sure to ask the tough questions. Plus when the F word is thrown around I feel I found my people! This podcast is relatable, inspiring, and motivating!
  • JC texas tx
    Great information
    One of the best photography podcasts I’ve listened to. I’ve gained so much information from the photographers interviewed and recommend this to anyone wanting to grow their biz. I am looking forward to applying these ideas I’ve learned.
  • mem-clean
    The Best Podcasts for Photographers
    I really enjoy listening to the various podcast. They are inspiring and most that I have listened too has been very encouraging to make changes to my photography business. Thank you for sharing this platform.
  • Cece Buehner
    Hearing the experience…
    I love listening to Nikki’s interviews because hearing the experiences of other photographers and specifically the ones who share the same philosophies on business and value inspires me to keep moving through and learning. I used to listen to these before bed and think I could fall asleep in them but now I know I can’t do that–I end up just staying up too late thinking of how I can apply some of the advice and imagining the awesome studios and the photographers who create in them!
  • Uncle Dragon
    Stop now. Listen to this podcast
    Found this podcast after spending so much time in frustration listening to other podcasts that just weren’t helpful. Nikki Closser is such a great host! She asks helpful questions , engages with the guest but doesn’t take over talking about herself like crazy. One of my pet peeves in podcasts. She really lets her guests shine and they bring so much good information too! I have learned so much! Thank you Nikki!!
  • My2©
    So Much Inspiration
    I’ve found so much motivation and inspiration in this podcast. It’s truly amazing to hear the stories and tips from other photographers. The host is entertaining and I love her vibe.
  • eytphotography
    Wonderful podcast!
    This podcast is a fantastic addition to SBE. I’ve watched hours and hours of Sue’s videos and learned so much with her, got inspired and started doing some beautiful photoshoot but nothing as a official photographer business, I still had so many questions that were blocking me from going beyond my circle of friends. I love the podcast because I can finally hear the stories of these amazing photographers who I only see the work online and get so intimidade by their work. Hearing their stories humanizes them and make me believe that I can get there too if I put all my effort and dedication. I’ve been learning so much by hearing their stories about the struggles they had and solutions they found to become a successful photographer, specially in terms of the business side, that was the piece that was missing in my photographer education side, hearing real stories from different photographers who started with SBE. Nikki your are an incredible photographer and host, ask all the questions that we need to hear in a humble way. This podcast gave me the to go light to finally start my business knowing that the risks will be worth it as long as we keep focused. Thank you so much! Keep interviewing more people!!!
  • Paulina Gwaltney
    Photographer Must
    If you are photographer this podcast is your must. Amount of knowledge and encouragement is soooo vast . You will find your people, with your problems, with your struggles and wins here. Quite your fear and just listen.
  • FaiFotos!
    AMAZING INFO
    Very informative podcast !! New listener here!
  • gordo3018
    Amazing podcast in love with it.
    This is a very informative podcast. It is very amazing. The speakers that they bring on here are well educated on photography I’ve learned so much will start in my business. I only have one problem that they put more links and information of the guest speaker of the portrait contest more links that goes straight directly towards each individual think. For an example if they bring me as a guest speaker in the show notes it will be my Instagram name underneath my Instagram name will be my website. Just so we can view who was just talking. As well get more information if we wanted to.
  • Athens Hwy 441
    Ideas! Ideas!
    Well, I started listening to these podcasts when I had a long trip in the car. I can’t believe how many wonderful ideas are in each one of these interviews. Amazing! It is very motivating to hear these stories. I am taking notes! This podcast has jumpstarted my want to move more into the direction of portrait photography. Each person has something very valuable to add. Best thing I can say about this podcast is that it is an amazing confidence booster for those wanting to begin, and for those very experienced photographers too! Keep it up this is a great show!
  • Martha Felix Photography
    I absolutely love listening to photography business success stories!
    It is such an honor to not only be interviewed for episode 120 but I also love listening to how other portrait photographers run their business! Such a great place to get so much information and new tips!
  • masterthad
    Another layer of excellence
    Sue Bryce Education platform now includes these very interesting, empowering, informative interviews hosted by Nikki Closser. Listen to how photographers have become photographers, overcome challenges, master their weaknesses, and grow their businesses. Add these podcasts to the SBE platform and you have an even deeper more enlightening incredible educational experience. Worthy of your ears and your time. ~Thaddeus Harden Photography
  • mkstout
    Such great Information!
    Love the Podcast. So much valuable information is shared by people in the business. Incredibly valuable to my business. A must listen!
  • LuAnn WP
    a THANK YOU!
    I am so enjoying The Portrait Sys Podcast!!! Nikki- you are doing such a great job!! Not only do I learn so much with each, but listening keeps me upbeat when I am alone in the studio editing. The questions are great, your timing is wonderful. You are so respectful, yet measure yourself as an equal to with each-very important. You are always prepared, but on occasion when you may have missed something, you do not skip a beat and are searching for the info while you interview. I love the variety of speakers as well. Thank you to Sue and team for providing this and finding a great host. I truly feel that I am on a special team of photogs from around the world - like we all work for the same company - where each do their own thing, but are here for all and the betterment of all.
  • Turn-er
    Podcast!
    Great content and questions from host of you can get past the cringe moaning and disingenuous repeating her words (yeah- yeah, ok-ok, sure-sure)
  • carrilloprints
    Lots great educational material!
    I love this podcast personally because it gives so much insight to many professional portrait photographers. Whats really great in my opinion is everything is raw, Nikki, the host, talks to other photographers about money and how much a photographer should charge, and other things like strategy and marketing and what to do when you’re burned out. The stories are inspirational, but not in a corny way. Nikki and her podcast has taught me so much and I’ve personally gained a ton of confidence as a photographer by listening.
  • LGBTphotographer
    All the sharing!📷♥️
    It is completely incredible how much Nikki shares, but even more so how much each guest shares their stories, success and failures. I am so impressed by the caliber of business astuteness in each podcast. The message is clear. Sue gave us the steps, material and now the proof. Listen to these messages to learn, feel and see what it is to believe in something and m-a-k-e IT HAPPEN!
  • TheOluwaseye
    Favorite part of my week.
    I’m proud to say that I’ve listened to at least 99.9% of these episodes while listening to some multiple times. It’s so inspiring hearing photographers who are/were in my shoes and learning from their past and real time mistakes. It keeps me going by reminding me that I’m on the right path.
  • BuzzCoach
    Great Show for Photographers
    I’ve listened to several of these podcasts and find them to provide excellent information for photographers trying to start their own business.
  • Tiffany Jimenez
    Game changer!
    This podcast has been detrimental to many professional photographers I know including myself. I’ve learned so much listening to all of the amazing content. I always look forward to the next one and try to soak up as much as I can with every episode. If you are a portrait photographer looking to grow, this is for you!
  • pavingmantis
    The BEST!
    I sit everyday on my lunch hour listening to this podcast series of inspiring individuals who share their stories in business so openly. It leaves me feeling empowered, gives me actionable items to really think through and add to the checklist, and helps me to feel completely connected to a community. I love every minute!
  • ARR.ELL.ESS
    Great All-Around Inspiration for Photographers
    This podcast is great inspiration not only for photographers, but for any small business and creatives learning about how to value themselves and their craft. Nikki Is a fantastic host, who’s easygoing style builds a foundation for the guests to pass on their unique solutions to the same problems we all have running a photography business. I look forward to every episode and learning about these fun and talented peers and mentors has helped me immensely!
  • dgranp
    I love this podcast!
    I am always on the go with my kids, we spend so much time on the car driving around to activities and this is the perfect podcast to listen to while on the go. When I am not home watching Sue Bryce education content, you bet I am listening to this podcast. I learn something new every time. The stories shared are inspiring and informative. Thank you Nikki!
  • Theotus
    Portrait System
    I absolutely love this pod! Been listening to it for months! Nikki is so good at interviewing and continually brings me value and ideas that I can incorporate into my business!
  • ToriT0o0o0o0o0Lo0ove
    Amazing
    I have learned so much! Sue Bryce is amazing and inspiring. Her podcast teaches you how to become a sucessful photographer.
  • summitnjphoto
    Entertaining and educational!
    I feel like I’m hanging out with friends talking about what I love most, taking pictures of people and making money doing so. Have learned so much from these conversations. Thanks for the great podcast Nikki!
  • MauiPhotoGal
    One of my favorite podcasts!
    I only have time to listen to a few podcasts and this one is at the very top of my list! SBE has made such a difference for my value set and my business and this podcast just adds more to the learning and growing experience!
  • Jenny Elaine Photography
    Best Photography Education
    Thank you so much for this podcast! I feel like I’ve gotten to skip the line, and I’m not alone when it comes to my business. I’ve been able to Advance much quicker than I would have on my own! A wonderful motivator, and amazing education!
  • Michelle Cantu Photography
    Fantastic Podcast!
    I love this podcast! Nikki is a great interviewer and all of the photographers are positive and share so much about their journeys and the best ways they’ve found to build successful businesses. It’s so interesting to learn what is working for them and invaluable to hear the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
  • Isa Deal
    Great info
    The podcast is easy to listen to and has great info. I always feel super inspired and motivated to work on my craft and business after each episode!
  • Tpinblue
    Priceless Tips
    I absolutely love this show! It provides so much clarity and if you think there are limits on how much you can earn and what you can achieve, this is the show for you. The production value is also high and Nikki is an excellent host. She sounds truly interested in who she’s interviewing and the way she sprinkles her own life experiences into the interviews adds value.
  • Cami.S1
    Pure Gold!!
    The Portrait System Podcast is pure Gold! I look forward to every episode and am always encouraged or educated but the best part is that I get to listen on the go. Being a business mom and business owner. This podcast has given me everything to help and direct me in my business and personal life. I’m so grateful for the creators and every guest speaker.
  • Nubiabeth
    Gold nuggets!
    So much great information packed into each episode! I learn something new every time I listen to this podcast. An excellent resource for any level photographer.
  • CindiF71
    So inspiring!
    I love hearing the behind the scenes stories of other photographers and how they overcame their challenges, as well as what systems are working for them. Nikki is a great host who asks great questions. And I love the diverse group of photographers they interview.
  • Portrait Master System
    Portrait Master System
    Best no-nonsense podcast out there for photographers looking to elevate their business. If you have any doubts in your business, find the episodes with Sue that talks about your worth and listen to them everyday! Your business will change when you believe your worth and take a stand for it!
  • Mercyd21
    Golden nuggets
    I love listening to all the stories and educational information regarding photography, business, personal stories from so many amazing people. There is always a little golden nugget to take away. Makes driving to work a lot more interesting.
  • Bobby Saephan
    Inspirational
    Nikki is amazing! I love hearing her voice and it’s so soothing! This podcast is very inspiring and life changing. I wish I had learned of this podcast sooner.
  • ALVThatsMe
    My Go To Podcast
    This is my go-to podcast anytime I'm editing, cleaning my studio, working on self-portraits… really, anytime I'm not listening to music, The Portrait System is playing. Hearing other photographers' stories and backgrounds (regardless of their genre) has inspired me to keep going and keep pushing myself and my business. I love hearing more from the folks we often see commenting in the Facebook group but maybe haven't seen featured on SBE. It makes the SBE community feel even closer and makes huge success feel obtainable so long as we get going and do the work. Thank you for doing such a fantastic job, Nikki and the rest of the Portrait System team.
  • connerkendall12
    Jam-packed with wisdom!
    The Portrait System Podcast is one of my favs! It is packed with info, knowledge and wisdom about running a photography business. But honestly, my favorite part about it is the self-value lessons I learn from the interviews with Sue Bryce and other podcast guests. Entrepreneurship can be lonely. But listening to this podcast reminds me that I’m not alone!
  • irina - laperla
    Very informative and inspiring
    I’m learning so much from listening to this podcast, Nikki and the Club House edition hosts are doing such an amazing job interviewing the best photographers around the world. Thank you for creating such a valuable content, I’m always looking forward to the next episode!
  • Craig Capello
    The one show I never knew I needed
    Prior to the pandemic once in a while would listen to a podcast in the car. Sometimes other shows have a good guest or good topic. This podcast, is different, every single episode has some topic or someone in the industry that I find helpful in this profession, not to mention just running a business. Without question for a full time photographer this podcast continues to get better, continues to help me grow, and Nikki just sounds like she is at the top of her game, because she is. Super inspirational to my me and my business!
  • bchat42
    Best photography podcast
    I absolutely love the portrait system podcast. Lots of info on how to be successful. All of the guest have had great success and hearing their stories let’s me know it’s possible for me too. Very informative and inspirational. I highly recommend.
  • JMihaley
    Wonderful Podcast!
    This is one of the best photography podcasts I have ever listened to. The information that is given is so valuable, so authentic and so helpful!! I am so appreciative of all the sincere advice that is given by each guest.
  • Kristin D. H.
    This is my favorite podcast!
    This podcast is insightful and entertaining! I love listening to Nikki’s weekly interviews and am always looking forward to the next one. If you’re wanting to learn ins and outs about the business of photography or are interested in joining the SBE community, listen to this podcast!
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