A Photographer’s Life

From Marketing to Master: Building a High-End Architecture Photography Business with Norman Sizemore

Why is everyone turning the lights off? 💡

In this episode, premier architectural photographer Norman Sizemore joins AIAP Director Alan Blakely to pull back the curtain on the reality of the architectural photography industry today. From his transition out of the marketing world to his firm stance against the "dark and moody" interior trend, Norman shares the raw, unfiltered truth about what it takes to build a sustainable photography business. Norman and Alan dive deep into the "theatrical" side of photography, the importance of proper lighting and composition, and why you should probably stop entering photo contests and start focusing on client relationships.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Career Leap: How Norman transitioned from marketing to a full-time photography career.

• The "Lights Off" Rant: Why the current trend of dimly lit interiors is hurting the craft.

• Pricing for Profit: Moving away from generic rates to project-specific value.

• Image Licensing: Real stories of fighting for usage rights (and winning).

• Gear Talk: Why Norman still swears by the Sony A850 and classic Photogenic lighting.

• Film Nostalgia: A look back at the days of Hasselblads and the resurgence of analog.

Whether you’re an aspiring photographer looking for a mentor or a seasoned pro tired of "work-for-hire" traps, this conversation is packed with veteran insights you won't find in a textbook.

This Podcast is Copyright 2026, The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™, All Rights Reserved. This content may not be used in full or in part without the written consent of the AIAP.

➤➤Don't forget to like the podcast and subscribe to the channel .... Click the bell icon to get our regular videos. Share the video with your friends if you like it, and stay tuned to our channel.

Is Your Website Actually Open for Business? | SEO, AI, and Strategy for Architectural Photographers

Is your website a high-performing storefront or just a digital paperweight?

In this session of the AIAP (Association of Independent Architectural Photographers), we take a deep dive into the "behind-the-scenes" mechanics that separate a pretty portfolio from a profitable business. Led by Alan Blakely and featuring insights from AIAP industry pros, we break down exactly how clients find you—and why they hire you.

In this episode, we cover:

• The SEO Myth: Why Google Analytics and Business Profiles are non-negotiable for 2026.

• Portfolio Curation: Why 15-25 elite images beat an "endless scroll" every time.

• Mobile-First or Mobile-Last? Analyzing the data on how many clients are actually viewing your work on their phones.

• The AI Audit: How to use tools like Gemini and ChatGPT to get an objective, brutal review of your website's UX.

• Pricing Transparency: Should you list your rates or keep them hidden? The group debates the pros and cons of vetting clients early.

• Platform Wars: A look at Squarespace, PhotoFolio, Pixieset, and why "easy to update" beats "complex design."

Whether you’re a seasoned architectural shooter or a real estate photographer looking to level up to commercial work, this discussion provides the blueprint for a website that actually works while you're out shooting.

This podcast is Copyright 2026, The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™, All Rights Reserved. This content may not be used in full or in part without the written consent of the AIAP.

➤➤Don't forget to like the video and subscribe to the channel.

DAVID PAPAZIAN - A photographer's 45 year success story in professional architectural photography.

In this podcast interview, veteran architectural photographer David Papazian discusses his award-winning career as a professional architecture photographer. David describes his early beginnings as a student at the famed Brooks Institute in California, and how he created a successful photography business in the Pacific Northwest.

David also offers insights into how he adapted his business model over the course of the past 45 years to stay successful in an ever-changing photography industry. Listeners will also learn how David made the successful transition from film format to digital, and how he continues to innovate to stay relevant in today's competitive market. Join us for some valuable career lessons from one of the true masters of architectural photography.

The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™ was established in 2001 and is an Internet-based trade association with one primary purpose: To promote the professional success of established independent architectural photographers. Membership in the AIAP is open to full-time professional architectural photographers. You can find the AIAP online at www.aiap.net.

This Podcast is Copyright 2026, The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™, All Rights Reserved. This content may not be used in full or in part without the written consent of the AIAP.

Making it BIG in a SMALL Market! Proven strategies for finding the hidden opportunities for success!

Become a member of AIAP to participate in these discussions. Join us for the January 2026 AIAP Zoom meeting focused on strategies for succeeding in small markets. This meeting emphasizes the importance of targeting non-traditional clients, such as healthcare, dental practices, senior living facilities, government buildings, and many other opportunities. Members also share their approach of offering tailored packages and in-person meetings to secure projects. The benefits of stock photography and the ease of entering the market with digital tools are also discussed. Members agree on the value of cold calling and personal visits for building client relationships.

The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™ was established in 2001 and is an Internet-based trade association with one primary purpose: To promote the professional success of established independent architectural photographers. Membership in the AIAP is open to full-time professional architectural photographers. You can find the AIAP online at www.aiap.net.

This Podcast is Copyright 2026, The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™, All Rights Reserved. This content may not be used in full or in part without the written consent of the AIAP. ➤➤Don't forget to like the podcast and subscribe to the channel.

Picture Perfect Profits - Best Business Practices for Professional Architectural Photographers

In this episode, AIAP photographers discuss how to start and run a successful architectural photography business. AIAP Director Alan Blakely leads the discussion that outlines the checklist of best business practices that help to create a successful business foundation. You'll learn the step-by-step process required to start a successful photography business from scratch, and then keep it running profitably for many years thereafter. Missing any one of these steps along the way could seriously jeopardize your chances for success as a professional architectural photographer.

The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™ was established in 2001 and is an Internet-based trade association with one primary purpose: To promote the professional success of established independent architectural photographers. Membership in the AIAP is open to full-time professional architectural photographers. You can find the AIAP online at www.aiap.net.

This Podcast is Copyright 2025, The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™, All Rights Reserved. This content may not be used in full or in part without the written consent of the AIAP.

Anatomy of a Successful Photoshoot--From First Contact to Final Payment.

Listen as an elite group of AIAP Architectural Photographers share their experience about how to create a successful and profitable photoshoot. Learn how to put together a successful shoot, from initial contact to the delivery of final images.

These veteran photographers share their knowledge regarding the entire business process of a commercial architectural photoshoot. You'll enjoy hearing how to avoid common mistakes and how to implement best business practices that ensure a successful outcome.

The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™ was established in 2001 and is an Internet-based trade association with one primary purpose: To promote the professional success of established independent architectural photographers. Membership in the AIAP is open to full-time professional architectural photographers. You can find the AIAP online at www.aiap.net.

This Podcast is Copyright 2025, The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™, All Rights Reserved. This content may not be used in full or in part without the written consent of the AIAP.

Don’t Leave Money On The Table! Discover Billable Items and Services To Increase Profits.

Join our group of AIAP Architectural Photographers discussing the many billable items and services that many professional architectural photographers overlook. You'll enjoy discovering how these professionals have successfully increased their bottom line through creative business tactics. You'll also learn what works and what doesn't when it comes to increasing profitability without losing clients.

The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™ was established in 2001 and is an Internet-based trade association with one primary purpose: To promote the professional success of established independent architectural photographers. Membership in the AIAP is open to full-time professional architectural photographers. You can find the AIAP online at www.aiap.net.

This Video and Podcast are Copyright 2025 The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™, All Rights Reserved. This content may not be used in full or in part without the written consent of the AIAP.

Elevating Architecture: Mastering the Challenges and Opportunities of Professional Drone Photography

Become a member of AIAP to participate in these discussions: https://forms.aiap.net/forms/createaccount

Join our group of AIAP Architectural Photographers discussing the challenges and opportunities of using a drone platform for professional architectural photography. You'll enjoy hearing how these professionals have successfully integrated drone photography into their architectural photography businesses. You'll also learn how they've been able to make their work profitable in an extremely competitive market.

The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™ was established in 2001 and is an Internet-based trade association with one primary purpose: To promote the professional success of established independent architectural photographers. Membership in the AIAP is open to full-time professional architectural photographers. You can find the AIAP online at www.aiap.net.

This Video and Podcast are Copyright 2025 The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™, All Rights Reserved. This content may not be used in full or in part without the written consent of the AIAP.

➤➤Don't forget to like the video and subscribe to the channel .... Click the bell icon to get our regular videos. Share the video with your friends if you like it, and stay tuned to our channel.

#DronePhotography #DroneShot #AerialPhotography #DroneLife #DroneView

RESULTS-DRIVEN SOCIAL MEDIA - Effective Marketing Strategies for Architectural Photographers

Become a member of AIAP to participate in these discussions: https://forms.aiap.net/forms/createaccount

Join our group of AIAP Architectural Photographers as we discuss how to make social media an effective part of your marketing plan. Listen as these architecture photographers reveal their own personal recipes for successful social media marketing.

The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™ was established in 2001 and is an Internet-based trade association with one primary purpose: To promote the professional success of established independent architectural photographers. Membership in the AIAP is open to full-time professional architectural photographers. You can find the AIAP online at www.aiap.net.

This Video and Podcast are Copyright 2025 The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™, All Rights Reserved. This content may not be used in full or in part without the written consent of the AIAP. ➤➤Don't forget to like the video and subscribe to the channel .... Click the bell icon to get our regular videos. Share the video with your friends if you like it, and stay tuned to our channel.

#socialmediamarketing #contentmarketing #digitalmarketing #seo #marketingtips

LIGHTING ARCHITECTURAL INTERIORS - Mastering the Art and Science of Interior Design Photography

Become a member of AIAP to participate in these discussions: https://forms.aiap.net/forms/createaccount

A group of elite AIAP Architectural Photographers discusses the fundamentals of lighting architectural interiors. Listen as these veteran photographers reveal the art and science behind the creation of world-class interior photographs. Discover the thought process and methodical approach top architectural photographers use as they approach an interior design photoshoot. Listen as these photographers discuss the technical considerations and aesthetic choices that go into creating successful interior photographs.

The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™ was established in 2001 and is an Internet-based trade association with one primary purpose: To promote the professional success of established independent architectural photographers. Membership in the AIAP is open to full-time professional architectural photographers. You can find the AIAP online at www.aiap.net.

This Podcast is Copyright 2025 The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™, All Rights Reserved. This content may not be used in full or in part without the written consent of the AIAP. ➤➤Don't forget to like the video and subscribe to the channel .... Click the bell icon to get our regular videos. Share the video with your friends if you like it, and stay tuned to our channel.

#architecturalphotography #lightinginteriors #architecturalphotographylighting #interiordesignphotography #lightingforarchitecturalinteriors