EP 57: building an associate team with ben lau: tips for expanding your photography business
Hey everyone! Summer Grace here, and I’m so excited to share highlights from my recent podcast with Ben Lau, an incredible wedding photographer and entrepreneur based in Northern New Jersey and NYC. Ben’s built a powerhouse business alongside his wife, Karis, running three unique wedding photography brands that collectively shoot up to 140 weddings a year. I found this conversation super inspiring, and I hope you do too.
Meet Ben Lau
Ben isn’t just any wedding photographer. He and his wife have created a thriving business that goes way beyond just taking gorgeous photos. They’ve strategically built multiple brands that capture different styles and client bases, making Ben Lau Photography a name that’s practically everywhere. Ben’s success is grounded in his ability to manage brands and build a strong, cohesive team, which has allowed him to keep up with the demand and maintain a great work-life balance.
Why Build an Associate Team?
For many of us, the idea of starting an associate team can feel overwhelming. But for Ben, it was actually a natural progression. As his business grew and his family expanded, he realized he needed help to keep up with the demand while still being present at home. Bringing on associates allowed him to keep taking bookings without personally shooting every event—plus, it gave talented photographers the chance to shoot under an established brand without the pressure of managing their own business.
Defining Brand Identity
One of Ben’s smartest moves was setting up separate brands for his associates. He gets that clients who book “Ben Lau” are expecting Ben’s personal touch, so he created clear distinctions between his own brand and his associate teams. This way, clients get the experience and value that’s unique to each brand without viewing the associate option as just a budget version of the main brand. It’s about setting clear expectations so that every client feels they’re getting exactly what they signed up for.
Finding the Right People
The heart of any associate team is the people behind it. For Ben, the best associates are photographers who are passionate about shooting but don’t necessarily want the business side. This setup allows them to focus purely on the creative work they love while the brand handles the business logistics. The key? Finding people whose values align with your studio’s mission so everyone’s working toward the same goals.
Learning from Challenges
Of course, building a team comes with its own set of challenges. Ben shared some of the lessons he’s learned along the way, like setting clear expectations from the start to avoid any surprises down the line. Communication with both clients and associates is huge in making sure everyone’s on the same page about what each brand offers. It’s all about getting everyone aligned and preventing misunderstandings before they happen.
The Power of Networking
One of Ben’s secret weapons? Networking. Building strong industry connections has opened up referral opportunities and strengthened his business as a whole. It’s not just about quick wins; it’s about building a support system that makes your business more resilient. Networking becomes especially valuable when you need a second shooter last-minute or want to collaborate with others in the industry.
Investing in Education
For anyone interested in diving deeper, Ben offers coaching sessions to share his knowledge on building and managing associate teams, marketing, and brand development. His approach is all about helping other photographers learn to scale sustainably—perfect for anyone looking to grow their business with purpose.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about growing your business with an associate team or are just curious about what it involves, Ben’s experience is full of insights that are worth considering. Building a team has its challenges, but with a solid strategy and a strong team, it can take your business to the next level.
To hear our full conversation, make sure to check out the podcast episode! And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with associate teams or answer any questions you have. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment below—I’m always here to chat!
Until next time, stay inspired and keep pushing those business boundaries!
Love, Summer
Do you need any more advice? Fill out the inquiry form below if you would like to schedule a mentorship with me. Mentorship’s open Nov. 1st!!
Connect with Ben Online:
Website: benlau.com
Instagram: @benlauphoto
FB Group: Go-Getting Creative
Connect with Me Online:
Instagram: @summergrace.photo
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