EPISODE #148

Guest: Seshu Badrinath

Chief Visual Communicator | Seshu Photography
Avon, Connecticut
seshuphotography.com

DATE: April 10, 2025

Feeling the slow season slump? This episode is your wake-up call.

When business is slow all we can think about is getting MORE—clients that is. And Connecticut-based photographer Seshu Badrinath is here to show you how to get them NOW and keep them coming year-round.

With 25+ years of hustle under his belt, Seshu shares real-deal strategies beyond simply posting pretty pics on Instagram. From leveraging local parent forums to sending thoughtful, personalized texts, he breaks down exactly how he stays top of mind (and fully booked) with a high-touch, low-volume approach.

We get into:

• How to tap into local communities and forums that are full of potential clients
• Seshu’s system for staying in touch without sounding like a bot
• Why tools like monday.com + client segmentation = marketing gold
• The beauty of blunders—and how to turn mistakes into your best marketing moments
• Why consistency beats perfection, every single time

Plus, Seshu gets real about pushing past his comfort zone and embracing video (we’re cheering him on).

If you want to stay busy when everyone else is slowing down, this is the episode you need. Tune in, take notes, and get moving.

Timestamps:

[2:37] Seshu credits local online groups for questions about his work.
[4:03] A photographer in Avon, Connecticut for 25 years, Seshu focuses on diverse clients.
[7:51] To prepare for busy months, ATJ suggests reaching out to clients early and tracking follow-ups.
[10:55] In a high-touch business, client connection is crucial.
[12:15] ATJ stresses that consistent follow-ups with existing contacts are key to staying booked.
[14:25] ATJ uses monday.com for client tracking, highlighting high-touch, personal communication.
[17:46] Seshu finds value in the course materials, which help him stay focused and reconnect with clients.
[20:10] Hear how Seshu now focuses on understanding his target clients’ needs and specializes in albums and wall art.
[23:45] To showcase the craft and value of environmental portraits, ATJ recommends sharing behind-the-scenes work.
[26:14] ATJ recommends showing the difference between professional environmental portraits and casual photography.
[29:04] ATJ encourages embracing a unique name and posting raw content to keep social media engaging.
[30:33] Seshu accepts ATJ’s challenge of posting a raw, unpolished video, even though he isn’t comfortable with video.
[33:56] Seshu values learning from experienced photographers, focusing on small steps and personal growth on a daily basis.
[36:15] Hear how Seshu now strives to avoid mistakes, measuring wall art carefully to ensure client satisfaction.
[38:49] Handling mistakes and turning them into learning opportunities is valuable marketing.
[40:22] Now regarding business as a creative challenge, Seshu focuses on adapting in an ever changing market.
[43:58] Seshu believes that every day is a good day to work on the business and reach out to clients.
[47:33] Seshu wonders if clients understand the collaborative nature of custom portrait sessions vs. generic events.
[50:23] To succeed, you need to invest in both craft and business and build connections.
[53:53] Seshu is committed to supporting the community and showing clients that he values more than just profits.
[56:00] Don’t let perfection hold you back, and be sure to save money during busy times so you can afford time off and recharge during slower months.

Click here to listen!

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Links and Resources:
Download a Transcript
Ultimate Client Consultation Form
Frequently Asked Difficult Questions (FADQ’s)
Sales Sabotage Evaluation Tool
Allison Tyler Jones Education Courses
Monday.com

Do The ReWork
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Seshu Badrinath
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