How We Built Separate Yet Thriving Photography Businesses Under One Roof with Jeff + Lori Poole

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When you run a photography studio with your partner, it can be a balancing act between creative vision, business management, and just keeping your sanity. On this episode Scott sits down with Lori and Jeff Poole to unpack how they built multiple successful photography businesses under one roof (while still being married to each other).

Jeff and Lori Poole, owners of IndigoSilver Studio in Wilmington, North Carolina, specialize in boutique boudoir portraiture and wedding photography. With over 15 years of experience, they also run Photo Insight, an educational platform for photographers. Through their coaching programs, they help fellow photographers adapt to industry changes and run successful, profitable studios.

Lori and Jeff share how they divided responsibilities, streamlined their processes with automation, created a welcoming studio environment (with sets they built themselves), and keep workflows moving even with a preschooler at home. From their strategies for lead generation to same-day IPS sessions, you’ll discover tactics you can actually use to grow your photography business, without burning out.

“We really rely on automations to save us our time. Our studio is still, 15 years later, just the two of us.” – Lori Poole

Resources

• My Photo Insight
• Fundy Designer
• Social Templates Co (episode 34)

Why You Should Listen

• Get real, practical advice on how to run multiple photography businesses from one space.
• Learn automation tips that keep you shooting, even with a packed schedule or a young family at home.
• Discover ways to keep your business organized and your brand consistent, even as you grow.
• Uncover the secret to same-day editing and album sales, no more endless back and forth!
• Pick up unique insights into handling privacy, social media, and the ever-changing demands of photography clients.

Ready to upgrade your photography workflow? Tune in to Workflows now for an honest, actionable look behind the scenes of a thriving photography business. Don’t just shoot, run your studio smarter!

• (00:00) - 69
• (01:20) - Balancing Roles in the Photography Business
• (05:41) - Studio Space and Workflow Management
• (11:24) - Automation in Lead Generation
• (16:42) - Personal Touch in Automated Responses
• (25:30) - Client Engagement and Travel Considerations
• (28:02) - Navigating Local Beaches and Travel Tips
• (30:59) - Enhancing Client Experience with Automated Emails
• (31:57) - Day of the Session: Hair, Makeup, and Outfits
• (33:59) - Capturing the Perfect Shot: Client Comfort and Preferences
• (36:17) - Efficient Image Processing and Same-Day Turnaround
• (38:59) - Streamlining Album Design and Sales
• (43:14) - Challenges and Improvements in Social Media Marketing