We had the pleasure of sitting down with portrait, commercial, and fine art photographer, workshop instructor, and educator Vicki Bell for Episode 137 of The Camera Life Podcast. The conversation offered a deep dive into the energy, proactive attitude, and technical simplicity required to thrive in a long-term photography career.
Vicki shared invaluable wisdom on finding opportunities, engaging subjects, and the workflow for high-volume shoots. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, here are the core lessons from our chat.
Watch the full interview here: The Camera Life Podcast EP 137
1. The Enduring Spark: Passion as a Business Driver
Vicki’s decades-long career is rooted in a fundamental love for people, creativity, and the technical challenge of photography. She stresses that sustaining a professional life in photography isn't just about survival—it's about finding daily inspiration. This passion is infectious and naturally attracts clients.
“It's not even about survival. It's about being a spark every day.”
— Vicki Bell
Click to hear this quote at 10:10
2. High-Volume Workflow: Thinking One Step Ahead
Vicki provided a masterclass in efficiency, detailing her process for high-paced events, such as shooting a valedictory dinner where she photographed 21 families in 90 minutes. Her secret lies in maintaining simplicity and multitasking at a high level. (See the full discussion starting at 13:29)
- Simple Setup is Key: For speed and consistency, Vicki relies on minimal gear: a single, clean light source (often one umbrella) and a simple background. The setup must be reliable and adaptable.
- The Multitasking Mind: "You're working a million miles an hour in your brain, while you're talking to people." The professional photographer must simultaneously scan the scene for details (clothing, pose, lighting) while maintaining a warm, engaging conversation with the subject.
3. The Art of Client Connection: Beyond the Camera
Vicki argues that the most important element of any portrait session is the connection you build with the subject. Her advice for overcoming client nerves and maximizing engagement is based on simple, human interaction.
Building Instant Rapport (18:42)
“I always try and find a common ground… **I absolutely love your dress.** Talk about, where did you get that? And that takes me off on a tangent.”
Click to hear the full advice at 18:42
The Directing Script (22:05)
Before even taking the first proper photo, tell your client exactly what to expect. This simple script lowers anxiety and prepares them for direction:
“Look, I'm just going to do a few light test Verses. **Just relax, and then I'm going to direct you.**”
— Vicki Bell
Hear the communication scripts at 22:05
4. Proactivity Pays: Winning Work Off-Social Media
For many photographers, the perceived necessity of endless social media posting is exhausting. Vicki, despite not being overly active online, consistently books work due to her fiercely proactive mindset. (Start the discussion on marketing at 41:59)
- Finding Opportunities: Work comes from "finding opportunities in day to day life and seizing the day," rather than passively waiting for inquiries.
- The Power of Perseverance: Vicki strongly advises new and struggling photographers to never let go of their momentum.
“**Never give up, because people give up too soon.** You've got to be enthusiastic and proactive.”
The 'Never Give Up' advice is at 50:11
Key Takeaways for the Photographers
- Prioritize People Skills: Your ability to build connection and confidence in your subjects is your single most valuable asset—even more than your gear.
- Embrace Simplicity for Speed: For efficient, profitable work, master a simple, reliable lighting setup. Complexity is the enemy of high-volume consistency.
- Be the CEO of Your Own Opportunity: Stop waiting for social media algorithms. Actively seek partnerships, follow up on leads, and approach organizations directly. (The 'Never Give Up' advice is at 50:11)
Episode Highlights with Timestamps
Jump straight to the parts of the interview that matter most to you:
- 10:10: The philosophy on the "spark" of photography.
- 13:29: The high-volume event photography workflow (21 families in 90 minutes).
- 18:42: Tips for amateur photographers on engaging models and building rapport.
- 41:59: How to get work consistently without being active on social media.
- 50:11: The importance of proactivity and why photographers give up too soon.
- 1:39:17: Vicki's current and past "workhorse" lenses.
Final Thoughts
Thank you to Vicki Bell for sharing such infectious energy and practical insights with us. Her career is a testament to the fact that passion, people skills, and a proactive attitude are the most powerful tools in a photographer's kit. We hope these takeaways inspire you to seize new opportunities in your own business.
