Do Photography Awards Actually Help You Get Clients? Many photographers are told that awards, recognition, and competitions are the path to credibility—and eventually, clients. But is that actually true when you’re selling your work to people who aren’t photographers?

In this episode of Capture & Connect, I explore the role photography awards play in a creative business and where they do—and don’t—fit when your goal is attracting buyers, businesses, or collectors rather than teaching other photographers.

If you’ve ever wondered:
whether awards really influence client decisions
why recognition doesn’t always lead to inquiries
or how clients actually decide who they trust

this conversation will help you look at awards, confidence, and connection in a new way—without pressure or hype.

This episode is especially relevant for landscape, nature, and fine art photographers who want to build a sustainable business connecting with non-photographers.

📌 It’s time to achieve success in your photography business by putting the right value on your photography work.

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 – Do Photography Awards Actually Help You Get Clients?
(Setting the core question + frustration)
01:12 – Who Photography Awards Really Matter To
(Peer recognition vs client decisions)
03:10 – Why Photography Awards Don’t Build a Business on Their Own
(Missing connection + translation)
05:05 – Honest Question: Why Are You Entering Awards?
(Confidence vs connection reflection)
06:10 – What Clients Actually Look for When Hiring a Photographer
(Trust, emotion, clarity)
09:42 – When Awards DO Make Sense (Teaching vs Selling Art)
(This is where your clarification naturally lives)
10:26 – Clients Buy Meaning, Not Merit
(Key takeaway + mindset shift)
11:44 – Final Thoughts + Weekly Live Premiere

The conversation explores the rise of photography as a second career and the value of experience in photography. It delves into the deepening of photography over time and the importance of creating with intention and connection.

Takeaways

• Photography as a second career
• Value of experience in photography

Chapters

• 00:00 Rise of Photography as a Second Career
• 05:19 Deepening of Photography Over Time

The conversation delves into the buyer's perspective on pricing and the factors that influence their decision-making process. Janice Sullivan shares her experience and insights, highlighting the importance of understanding buyer behavior and effectively communicating value to potential buyers. The discussion also covers the significance of limited vs. open editions in photography, as well as practical tips for pricing and value communication.

Takeaways

• Buyer's perspective on pricing
• Factors influencing buyer's decision

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Buyer's Perspective
• 07:00 Factors Influencing Buyer's Decision
• 17:10 Limited vs. Open Editions
• 23:56 Pricing and Value Perception