Shoot to the Top

A Podcast for Commercial Photographers

Featured Episode

Marcus Ahmed
Shoot to the top logo
Sam Hollis
Shoot to the top logo

A podcast for professional photographers

What happens when you get a commercial photographer (Marcus Ahmad) and a seasoned marketeer (Sam Hollis) in the same room?.

That’s right, you get all the answers on how to “ Shoot To The Top”

Learn the best marketing strategies for your commercial photography business.

Sam will tell you how find the ideal client, get yourself noticed , build your brand and loads more!

In short the best and most current strategies to make more money!

But hold on, it’s not just about the money is it?

Marcus will be defending his corner with hard hitting punches on how to be be the best photographer in your market, to really start taking images that you can be proud of and most of all how to really add value to your work to get those premium clients.

So if you are starting out as a commercial photographer or been in the game so long you remember glass negatives, tune in to the show that is focussed on shooting to the top!

 

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Join the Shoot to the Top community to enure you don't miss an episode of Shoot to the Top. Those who join the community will be notified when episodes come out, get extra information about the topics discussed on the podcasts, get behind the scenes information about the podcasts and have the chance to appear in the podcast. They also get the chance to influence what is discussed in future shows.

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Join our community of photographers and podcast guests as we help each other through the ups and downs of life as a commercial photographer.

Meet the shoot from the top team

Marcus Ahmed
Sam Hollis

It’s fair to say that Marcus has led the “classic” life of a photographer.

You know – studying Editorial Photography at University, years spent assisting the worlds best advertising photographers (it’s official they won an award!) After that setting up his own practice as a global fashion photographer working in London, NY, LA and Paris. And then to cap it off, giving back to the community  as a Senior Lecturer in Fashion and Advertising photography at the University of South Wales.

These days you can still find Marcus behind a camera. Working with brands that need a bit of pazazz, after all his tagline is : “Aspirational Photography for Inspirational People”

On his rare days off Marcus likes to entertain the wedding crowd with his 7 piece funk and soul machine, slapping the bass like there’s no tomorrow! Guaranteed to get the audience dancing.

Sunday mornings are when you can find Marcus on his beloved road bicycle pounding the tarmac and sweating up hills. Probably a bit too much information there!

Sam Hollis has been building websites and helping business with their marketing almost since websites began.

More recently Sam has been running Sam Hollis Web Design, helping small businesses get websites that help them grow. But Sam knows that websites don’t work on their own and helps businesses with their wider digital marketing. Sam focuses on working with businesses in the long term, working as partners with business owners to help them and their business grow and develop.

Sam Hollis Web Design now has a team of designers and writers, which leaves Sam more time to do what he enjoys best, talking to business owners. Although the team do from time to time let him lose on a website if he’s lucky.

Sam’s first job was a wedding photographers assistant (to his Dad) so would spend his Saturdays in the summer at English country churches carrying bags and getting casual shots of the guests.

When he’s not at his desk you’ll either find him either driving one of his teenage daughters to their next engagement, or enjoying the great outdoors, with his dog, on his bike or sat in his kayak.

Marcus Ahmed

It’s fair to say that Marcus has led the “classic” life of a photographer.

You know – studying Editorial Photography at University, years spent assisting the worlds best advertising photographers (it’s official they won an award!) After that setting up his own practice as a global fashion photographer working in London, NY, LA and Paris. And then to cap it off, giving back to the community  as a Senior Lecturer in Fashion and Advertising photography at the University of South Wales.

These days you can still find Marcus behind a camera. Working with brands that need a bit of pazazz, after all his tagline is : “Aspirational Photography for Inspirational People”

On his rare days off Marcus likes to entertain the wedding crowd with his 7 piece funk and soul machine, slapping the bass like there’s no tomorrow! Guaranteed to get the audience dancing.

Sunday mornings are when you can find Marcus on his beloved road bicycle pounding the tarmac and sweating up hills. Probably a bit too much information there!

Sam Hollis

Sam Hollis has been building websites and helping business with their marketing almost since websites began.

More recently Sam has been running Sam Hollis Web Design, helping small businesses get websites that help them grow. But Sam knows that websites don’t work on their own and helps businesses with their wider digital marketing. Sam focuses on working with businesses in the long term, working as partners with business owners to help them and their business grow and develop.

Sam Hollis Web Design now has a team of designers and writers, which leaves Sam more time to do what he enjoys best, talking to business owners. Although the team do from time to time let him lose on a website if he’s lucky.

Sam’s first job was a wedding photographers assistant (to his Dad) so would spend his Saturdays in the summer at English country churches carrying bags and getting casual shots of the guests.

When he’s not at his desk you’ll either find him either driving one of his teenage daughters to their next engagement, or enjoying the great outdoors, with his dog, on his bike or sat in his kayak.

Would you like to be a podcast guest?

Shoot to the top has regular guests on the podcast. If you think think you have something valuable you can share with our audience then click on the link below and apply to be a guest.

Learn how to become more creative and more productive with Christian Ray Flores
Learn how to become more creative and m...
Christian does many things. He runs a performance coaching program, does digital media and has a program in Mozamb...
00:28:39
October 31, 2024
Find great insights into running a photography business from photographer and podcaster Andrew Hellmich
Find great insights into running a phot...
Andrew is a Sydney, Australia based photographer. He started an interview based podcast 12 years ago and now podca...
00:27:38
October 25, 2024
How do increase your revenue by using video in your photography business with guests Nathan Pidd and Mike Robertson
How do increase your revenue by using v...
Nathan Pidd and Mike Robertson are VIP Creative. Together they run a video and photography business in Hull. Natha...
00:28:57
October 17, 2024
Using Models in your Work
Using Models in your Work
This show is about working with models but is also working with all sorts of different people on a shoot. How do ...
00:20:45
October 10, 2024
Get more LinkedIn by being a punk disrupter with Gareth Wax
Get more LinkedIn by being a punk disru...
Gareth says his focus is the monetisation of this autism. One of his obsessions is LinkedIn. And he decided with h...
00:27:45
October 04, 2024
Making more money from your business with Accountant Bel Turpin
Making more money from your business wi...
Bel is part of Turpin Accounting Services a business setup by her Mum. Bel she she fell into accounting. She star...
00:26:37
September 26, 2024
Which Business Apps will help your business?
Which Business Apps will help your busi...
 This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help photographers get more lead...
00:23:08
September 19, 2024
Using a stylist for your Photoshoot with Suzanne Suthers
Using a stylist for your Photoshoot wit...
Suzanne has been working fo the last 16 years as a personal stylist. Once people find what clothes suit them and w...
00:26:52
September 12, 2024
What can photographers learn from musicians with Pete Coco
What can photographers learn from music...
Pete is a New York headshot and portrait Photographer and musician. Peter started photography and music at the sam...
00:31:02
September 05, 2024
Why is film photography still important today?
Why is film photography still important...
Marcus used film for fifteen years. He thinks using film will develop your technique. He says it is magical seeing...
00:20:30
August 29, 2024
Getting more clients with Christine Saunders
Getting more clients with Christine Sau...
This week the guest is Christine Saunders. Christine is an art buyer, producer and business coach for professional...
00:27:48
August 22, 2024
Sarah J Naylor helps us live our best life
Sarah J Naylor helps us live our best l...
Sarah J Naylor is a lifestyle success coach and mentor. She helps people at crossroads in their life. Often a mid...
00:25:59
August 15, 2024
Using Google Ads in your Photography Business
Using Google Ads in your Photography Bu...
 This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help photographers get more lead...
00:19:17
August 08, 2024
Meet Meg McMillan, Branding Photographer and Educator
Meet Meg McMillan, Branding Photographe...
Meg is from San Deago, our first guest from the US. Meg is a brand photographer, and has worked with over 300 ent...
00:28:25
August 01, 2024
Jamie Stewart, networking legend.
Jamie Stewart, networking legend.
Jamie runs Circle networks and he used to be a reluctant networker. Back in 2013 he had to go networking to find c...
00:32:04
July 25, 2024
Cropping Images for Social Media, Websites and more
Cropping Images for Social Media, Websi...
Marcus says the show was triggered by a client he had recently who wanted images cropped in a very specific way. ...
00:18:57
July 18, 2024
Meet Jo Dufty, Mindset Coach
Meet Jo Dufty, Mindset Coach
Jo wants to help people who don’t want an average vision. She asks them if the level of effort they are putting ...
00:25:45
July 11, 2024
Using Google Maps to get leads
Using Google Maps to get leads
 This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help photographers get more lead...
00:19:10
July 04, 2024
Meet Business Expert, Zoe Wadsworth
Meet Business Expert, Zoe Wadsworth
Zoe runs Ask Zoe and calls herself a consultant with a difference. She focusses not just on your business, but als...
00:29:21
June 27, 2024
Your Photography Portfolio
Your Photography Portfolio
This week Marcus talks about building a portfolio as a photographer. He breaks this down into three areas, photogr...
00:18:33
June 20, 2024
Jeff Brown, Photography mentor
Jeff Brown, Photography mentor
Jeff Brown is a photographer and Photographer mentor. He works with photographers in twenty five different countri...
00:29:48
June 13, 2024
Who is my ideal client?
Who is my ideal client?
This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help photographers get more leads ...
00:17:48
June 06, 2024
Talking to Brand Photographer Emma Bunn
Talking to Brand Photographer Emma Bunn
 Emma runs Natural Aspect. She creates images for her clients so they can market their brand with ease and confid...
00:27:48
May 30, 2024
Using Repetition in your Photography Practice
Using Repetition in your Photography Pr...
Marcus talks about repetition in this show. Repetition was a core part of the five Rs show which you can listen to...
00:17:13
May 23, 2024
Meet Robin Thompson, IT expert
Meet Robin Thompson, IT expert
Robin Thompson says he is an IT stress reliever working with small and medium-sized businesses helping ensure that...
00:23:10
May 16, 2024
Guest Interview with Zoe Hiljemark
Guest Interview with Zoe Hiljemark
Zoe Hiljemark is a PR and marketing consultant who works just with photographers. She has spent twenty years in PR...
00:27:34
May 09, 2024
SEO series part III Internal SEO
SEO series part III Internal SEO
SEO part III on site SEO This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help pho...
00:18:11
May 02, 2024
Guest Interview with Denise Brady - Food Photographer
Guest Interview with Denise Brady - Foo...
Denise Brady has been a food photographer for two and a half years. She is based on the East coast of the UK in Su...
00:27:36
April 25, 2024
Alternative Genres
Alternative Genres
Every episode has an extra bonus tip that we give only to newsletter subscribers. For the show about fashion Marcu...
00:18:16
April 18, 2024
Guest Interview with Sonya Dove
Guest Interview with Sonya Dove
This week Marcus and Sam speak to Sonya Dove who is Wella’s Global Creative Director and Marcus’s big sister. ...
00:29:42
April 11, 2024
SEO Series part two, external SEO
SEO Series part two, external SEO
SEO Part Two There are going to be three podcasts on SEO. Planning External SEO Internal SEO This episode i...
00:18:11
April 05, 2024
Guest Interview with Paul Cooper
Guest Interview with Paul Cooper
Paul Cooper has been a professional photographer for over 30 years. He is currently a commercial photographer. But...
00:26:57
March 28, 2024
The ten principals of flash photography
The ten principals of flash photography
The ten principals of Flash Photography These apply to all types of light including natural light. 1. There are on...
00:17:18
March 21, 2024
Guest Interview with Fiona Scott PR Expert
Guest Interview with Fiona Scott PR Exp...
This episode is an interview with Fiona Scott a PR specialist. To start Sam and Fiona discuss the difference betw...
00:26:08
March 16, 2024
SEO Series part one, planning
SEO Series part one, planning
SEO Part one There are going to be three podcasts on SEO. Planning External SEO Internal SEO This episode ...
00:19:02
March 07, 2024
Guest Interview with LinkedIn expert Maureen Kane
Guest Interview with LinkedIn expert Ma...
Maureen helps elevate peoples Linkedin profile. She helps them create more opportunities and visibility. That crea...
00:26:34
February 29, 2024
Software for Photographers
Software for Photographers
Marcus has been using three pieces of software for a long time in his career. Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture ...
00:17:45
February 22, 2024
Guest interview with Joe Giacomet
Guest interview with Joe Giacomet
Joe Giacomet mostly works in advertising. It’s an area that has allowed him to do what he wants. And has given t...
00:32:21
February 15, 2024
How important is it to be consistent in your marketing?
How important is it to be consistent in...
Sam and Marcus discuss consistency in your marketing. Sam says the basic idea is decide what you want to in your m...
00:20:35
February 08, 2024
Guest Interview with Toby Lee, Headshot Photographer
Guest Interview with Toby Lee, Headshot...
Toby Lee Toby is a headshot photographer in the UK. His business is called Headshot Toby. He has been a Headshot p...
00:25:00
February 03, 2024
Getting into Fashion Photography
Getting into Fashion Photography
Marcus has a wide experience in fashion having worked in it for many years, and then being a fashion photography l...
00:18:03
January 26, 2024
Guest Interview with Martin Hobby
Guest Interview with Martin Hobby
Martin is a general practice photographer based in Holmes Chapel in Cheshire in the UK. Martin has been shooting p...
00:28:16
January 18, 2024
Business Planining
Business Planining
This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help photographers get more leads ...
00:17:48
January 11, 2024
In conversation with the Royal Photographic Society
In conversation with the Royal Photogra...
The Royal Photography Society This week Marcus is doing the show solo, without Sam, and talking to Dr Michael Prit...
00:30:55
January 04, 2024
Christmas fireside chat with Marcus and Sam
Christmas fireside chat with Marcus and...
Sam and Marcus have a cozy fireside Christmas chat about the podcast over the last year. Marcus refers back to ou...
00:13:32
December 21, 2023
Guest Interview with Gillian Devine
Guest Interview with Gillian Devine
Gillian Devine is a photographer of 18 years. Gillian started with weddings and babies, but is now a brand photogr...
00:27:15
December 15, 2023
Should I work for free?
Should I work for free?
Marcus’s answer is… it depends! The pros of working for free If you are starting out as a photographer Marcus ...
00:15:27
December 07, 2023
Guest Interview with Sarah J Naylor, Lifestyle Success Coach and Mentor
Guest Interview with Sarah J Naylor, Li...
She helps people who have got to a point in mid life when they start ask who they are and what are they doing. Her...
00:26:10
November 30, 2023
How to decide what to charge, pricing for photographers.
How to decide what to charge, pricing f...
This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help photographers get more leads ...
00:18:43
November 23, 2023
Guest Interview with Allie Crewe
Guest Interview with Allie Crewe
Allie used to lecture and the  decided to walk away when she had a photograph hanging in a gallery alongside work...
00:26:22
November 16, 2023
How is the customer experience for your customers?
How is the customer experience for your...
 Marcus talks through his customers' experienceMarcus’s customer journey Marcus likes to respond initial en...
00:18:03
November 09, 2023
Guest Interview with Lauren McWilliams Photographer and Brand Strategist
Guest Interview with Lauren McWilliams ...
Lauren McWilliams is a Brand photographer and Strategist. Lauren works with ambitious service based entrepreneurs ...
00:26:29
November 02, 2023
Stop Talking About Yourself
Stop Talking About Yourself
This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help photographers get more leads ...
00:18:01
October 30, 2023
Guest interview with Colin D Smith, the listening expert
Guest interview with Colin D Smith, the...
In this show we talk to Colin D Smith who is an expert in listening. A skill we have talked about many times in th...
00:26:49
October 20, 2023
Creativity and rest
Creativity and rest
Creativity and Rest Marcus takes us back to episode 12 and reminds us about the 5 Rs of creativity Rules Resear...
00:16:30
October 12, 2023
Battle of the Website platforms
Battle of the Website platforms
This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help photographers get more leads ...
00:19:10
October 06, 2023
Developing your style as a photographer
Developing your style as a photographer
In this show Marcus tells us about style, what it is and how it can be used in your business. Marcus says having a...
00:15:30
September 28, 2023
Guest Interview with Fabienne Miler - Property Stylist
Guest Interview with Fabienne Miler - P...
Fabienne is a property stylist who works with Airbnb owners. She loves to create an original, playful property. Sh...
00:24:47
September 21, 2023
Call to Actions
Call to Actions
This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help photographers get more leads ...
00:16:28
September 14, 2023
Black and White Photography
Black and White Photography
This week Marcus and Sam discuss the use of black and white photography. Marcus did a poll on LinkedIn and found t...
00:17:14
September 07, 2023
Planning your Website
Planning your Website
Website planning This week Sam and Marcus discuss website planning. An effective website needs planning carefully ...
00:18:28
August 31, 2023
Making the move from an amateur to a professional photographer
Making the move from an amateur to a pr...
This week Marcus and Sam talk about making that big jump to going pro. What are the key things to think about? ...
00:18:58
August 24, 2023
Guest Interview with Nick Hemms - Mens Stylist
Guest Interview with Nick Hemms - Mens ...
We talk to Nick about how he got into men's styling and how photographers can use a stylist on their shoots. ...
00:25:46
August 17, 2023
Meet Marcus and Sam
Meet Marcus and Sam
Sam and Marcus are in the same room together and took this rare opportunity to quiz each other about their past! T...
00:16:22
August 10, 2023
Guest Interview with Photographer Donna Green
Guest Interview with Photographer Donna...
Straight talking and bags of experience makes this episode from Donna unmissable. She leaves nothing to chance wit...
00:22:14
August 03, 2023
Guest Interview with Photographer Gemma Griffiths
Guest Interview with Photographer Gemma...
This week Sam and Marcus talk to Gemma Griffiths. Gemma is a branding and family photographer based in South Wales...
00:23:34
July 20, 2023
Lenses, a guide for commercial photographers
Lenses, a guide for commercial photogra...
In this episode we discuss lenses. Types brands and uses. And Marcus takes us through the lenses he uses on an ave...
00:18:05
July 13, 2023
Guest Interview with Olga Geidane
Guest Interview with Olga Geidane
Episode 15 Olga Gidane     Olga Geidane is a highly engaging and sought-after expert speaker on mindset transfor...
00:29:30
July 06, 2023
SEO for photographers, or how to get found on Google
SEO for photographers, or how to get fo...
Getting found on Google is important for most businesses. For many types of photography businesses, it can make th...
00:21:38
June 29, 2023
Guest Interview with Christine Michaelis
Guest Interview with Christine Michaeli...
This week we talk to Christine about what it's like being in front of the lens and how she uses her photograph...
00:24:17
June 22, 2023
Creativity for Photographers
Creativity for Photographers
 Today’s topic is creativity.   The 5 R’s of Creativity ! 1. Rules  •  Learn them •  Break them ...
00:16:38
June 15, 2023
Guest Interview with Charlott McAnsh
Guest Interview with Charlott McAnsh
In this weeks episode we welcome our first guest Charlott McAnsh from See No Bounds Charlott talks to us about ho...
00:23:42
June 08, 2023
Social Media - How social media can be used to help your photography business.
Social Media - How social media can be ...
Marcus guides us through the world of social media. It’s critical for photographers to have some sort of presenc...
00:16:27
June 01, 2023
Email Marketing part two, what to do with your mailing list
Email Marketing part two, what to do wi...
This episode is sponsored by Website for photographers. Website 4 photographers help photographers get more leads ...
00:17:30
May 25, 2023
Email Marketing part one, how to grow your mailing list
Email Marketing part one, how to grow y...
This week we are talking about Email Marketing, specifically how to grow your mailing list. Next week we will look...
00:16:51
May 18, 2023
Flash, Bang Wallop, professional lighting as a photographer
Flash, Bang Wallop, professional lighti...
This week Marcus takes us through the benefits of using flash (strobe to Americans) for your photoshoots. Marcus ...
00:15:09
May 11, 2023
Offering Subscription Services to your clients
Offering Subscription Services to your ...
Next week Sam will guide us through the journey of setting up a subscription service. He'll talk about the why...
00:14:33
May 04, 2023
Working the Room, networking as a photographer
Working the Room, networking as a photo...
In this episode Sam is digging into “working the room” and how to successfully build your business network.  ...
00:14:58
April 27, 2023
Generalise or Specialise? Niching as a photographer
Generalise or Specialise? Niching as a ...
Marcus and Sam are taking a look at the advantages and disadvantages of niching. How it looks to the client and ho...
00:14:06
April 20, 2023
Artificial Intellegence, a photographers friend or foe?
Artificial Intellegence, a photographer...
AI- Friend or Foe   On this weeks podcast Sam Hollis and Marcus Ahmad talk about AI. How long has it really been ...
00:11:11
April 13, 2023
Photography Case Studies for SEO
Photography Case Studies for SEO
On this week's show Sam discusses the case for photography case studies. He tells us how they can attract more...
00:12:56
April 05, 2023
A photography Degree, Agree or disagree
A photography Degree, Agree or disagree
This week Sam and Marcus discuss the hotly debated topic of “Do you need a photography degree/qualification to b...
00:13:54
March 30, 2023
Shoot to the Top - a new podcast for Commercial photographers
Shoot to the Top - a new podcast for Co...
Shoot to the top is a new Podcast for commercial photographers. With Sam Hollis, Web Designer and Marketer and Mar...
00:01:00
March 23, 2023

Get the latest episodes news and  podcast extras

Join the Shoot to the Top community to enure you don’t miss an episode of Shoot to the Top. Those who join the community will be reminded when episodes come out, get extra information about the topics discussd on the podcsats, get behind the scenes information about the podcasts and have the chance to appear in the podcast. They also get the chance to influence what is discussed in future shows.