Escaping The Ordinary Podcast

We are kicking things back off this year with a solo pod, recapping 2021. Recovering what was a crazy and difficult year for creatives, some highlights from the conversations with fellow photographers both on and off the pod. So kick back with your notepad, ready to storm 2022.

What I talk about

Finding your own personal style and creativity

To stand out from the crowd you need to stop trying to fit in

Curate your work to curate the work you want to shoot

You can’t cheat time to build style and skill

Being easier on yourself as a new photographer

Stop comparing yourself to other photographers

Habits throughout your day outside of your business are directly mirrored in your business

The power of unplugging and active movement

Reducing distractions from your own mind

Pivoting your business - how to move forward and adapt

What’s next for Feather & Finch

Look to the future and map out where you want to be

Invest in yourself and invest in your business

My biggest takeaway of 2021

2021 was a massive wake up call for many photographers. What it highlighted to me is the value and essential nature of investing in yourself. A shiny new lens or laptop might give you a momentary one up in your everyday working, but getting a mentor, taking time off, going on holiday with your family, going to a workshop have life-long benefits. No matter how challenging the photography climate gets if you are strong individually nothing can hold you back.

Today we have the owner of Kings and Thieves Benjamin Urquhart, an incredible creative and inspiration for photographers across the world. He has such a unique perspective on the business and creativity, one which he’s used to mentor some of my personal close friends in the industry. Ben is a busy man and I was super stoked to have him on the pod with us today.

What we chatted about

Where he’s based and his multi use office space

His micro-wedding business

Challenges of working from home and evolving the business

Rolling photography into his laid back wedding business

How constraints can forge creativity

How Ben created his style and his want to create a shift in the industry

Leaning into his own style after not feeling like himself in his work

Showing up as a person rather than just a photographer

His process working with couples

Time allocation at weddings

Going with the flow on shoot

Focus on light vs subject

His work vs ‘generic’ work - the power of being human

Getting your couple started without pushing to pose

His stance on advice with weddings - making them feel as little stress as possible

How he charges his services without getting too heavy

How his price guide has helped with the quality of his leads

Adjusting times to give better photos - why lighting matters

Helping people to create a wedding they actually want

Learning to channel your inspiration to fuel your creative voice

Does Ben ever think he’ll do video?

Are his boudoir sessions just for clients or for anyone?

His feelings on creativity during the boudoir sessions

My biggest takeaway

What struck me about Ben was his adaptability and raw creativity. Finding opportunities for businesses in his work space, expanding his range into the boudoir sessions and encouraging couples to push the boundaries of what their weddings can be. Looking and being open to opportunity is a key tenet which can really set you apart from being a good photographer to being an awesome one.

Links mentioned in the pod

Kings & Thieves website https://www.kingsandthieves.com.au/

Kings & Thieves Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kingsandthiev.es/

His personal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/benjamin_urquhart_/

My website https://ryanteague.co/

My Instagram (for guest DMs) https://www.instagram.com/ryanteague.co/

E045 Escaping The Ordinary - John Gazzingnato

Today we have John Gazzingnato making his return to the podcast after a crazy year. He is an Tasmania-based award-winning photographer who has really thrived throughout the last 12 months despite the pandemic. Rather than going back to his roots, we look at the last year in depth, discussing his business growth, success and forging moments of true creativity.

What we spoke about in the pod

His journey from 12 months to now

Working with COVID and overcoming adversities throughout

Rediscovering motivation after the pandemic

His business growth - creative style vs business foundations

The power of his artistic approach

Storytelling & curation - creating a portfolio that attracts the work you’re looking for

Creating work he loves and times he wasn’t

Moving out of what’s expected of you or trending

How to read wedding situations differently - some practical tips

Scheduling a wedding - getting it just right

His default start for couples shoots

GIving cues and helping couples to feel more comfortable

Lighting and couples shoots - telling a story

Colouration with portrait sessions

His ‘secret sauce’ when it comes to editing

Leaning into your local area and the light you like using

Over exaggeration of presets

His luscious hair secrets

His dream shoot if he could plan one

How to make recommendations for clients & the importance of building the relationship

His favourite shoes for shooting weddings

The Rangefinder Rising Star Award

What's changed over the last year - mentally and practically

What the future hold for John

My biggest takeaway

John’s journey is the most clear evidence of the power of leaning into what you’re excited about. Rather than just creating images that you think are expected or trendy, it’s all about creating moments and stories. This year has been a massive year for his personal growth and assertion of his style and brand voice - so find it and don’t look back!

Links mentioned in the podcast

John’s website https://www.jongazzignato.com/

His Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jongazzignatophotographer

His Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jon.gazzignato/

My Website https://ryanteague.co/

E044 Escaping The Ordinary - Bec & Andrew - Willow and Wolf

These guys are the epitome of adventure photography - creating stunning elopement images as well as capturing beautiful moments of their travels together. Today we chat about their road to starting Willow and Wolf, how to capture epic landscapes and how they run their business together. They are such an inspirational couple and have a lot of wisdom to share.

Get to know Bec & Andrew

Bec & Andrew met in Canada while Bec was travelling from her hometown Byron. They bonded over a love for the outdoors and passion for photography. Ben had business roots and Bec in graphic design but both found themselves feeling a little astray from their paths. After parting ways after a fun summer there wasn’t much on the cards. Creating a photography business was always a dream but didn’t come to fruition until Andrew came to Australia two years later. After a few years of back and forth from Australia to Canada and burning out, they have moved permanently to Canada, now basing themselves in Banff.

What we spoke about in the pod

An insight into their background

Their journey to starting a business together

Similarities and differences between Canada and Australia

Capturing epic landscapes

The challenges of hiking and photography

Planning a mountain shoot

How they manage out there enquiries

Picking locations and exploring

Letting your couple come forward with their idea

How to move into adventure photography as a professional

Some professional horror stories

Why they haven’t done styled shoots - using clients for this

How to photograph weddings together

Their process working with clients

How they prep their clients for outdoor weddings and get the shots at the top of a hike

How COVID has affected their business

Organising their blog and portfolio

How they’d work their business to Australia

Their kit and how they work them during a wedding shoot

My biggest takeaway

There was so much to take from our chat. But, my biggest takeaway has been about the way to work crazy elopements and the sheer amount of work that goes into every one of them. The key is being prepared - over prepared in terms of kit and items which can make the process all the more easy and getting your couple up to speed too.

Links mentioned in the podcast

Willow & Wolf Website https://willowandwolf.co/

Their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/willowandwolfweddings/

Their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/willowandwolf/

My Website https://ryanteague.co/

In today’s episode, we have the incredible Omar Diaz, founder of wedding photography business, By The Wilde. We met at a workshop in early 2021 and since then he’s gone from strength to strength - pushing his creative boundaries and creating a business that aligns with his style and values. It was an honour to chat with him and discover more about his journey to becoming a recent full-time photographer.

Get to know Omar

Omar is based in Hobart Tasmania - a beautiful part of the world that attracts a lot of interstate travel for elopements. He started his photography journey inspired by travel after burning out from years of social work. Backpacking through parts of Asia, Europe and the Americas he captured stunning images of nature and progressed onward to people-focused photography in the streets of South America. This sparked an obsession with wanting to collect and curate those special moments - building a story around every one of his subjects. He did his first official wedding in the summer of 2019 and has since been building his skills and business into the impressive portfolio you see today.

What we talk about

Omar's roots and photography journey.

The benefits of having a fantastic wife who has wedding industry knowledge.

How he’s feeling 6 weeks into full-time photography - an honest and raw perspective.

Creating his new website and honing in on his personality.

Why community is important to him.

How to build and search for a sense of community.

Mentoring and peer-reviewing.

How he chose certain creators to review his work.

Practical things Omar took away from mentoring.

How to make your clients feel comfortable.

The power of humanising the space and levelling with your clients.

His kit and how he uses it throughout the wedding day.

Building relationships and rapport - and what it means to him.

His ratio of creativity to business person.

How much of a factor his editing has on the end image result.

A few practical things you could do to create that ‘magical’ feeling with light.

Personal projects and style shoots - the benefits he’s seen.

How to handle others' expectations of style shoots: balancing creativity with meeting the brief.

Documenting his son’s life and the guilt of not documenting enough.

My biggest takeaway

It’s awesome to see someone who has stepped into their own style so early on in their career. But my biggest takeaway from our conversation was the power of human connection in photography. And this comes in different, but all equally important forms. His connection to his wife and her network. His connection to the community of peers and mentors he’s built around himself. And, creating a human connection with his clients. It’s this connection that drives purpose, supports creativity and truly helps you tell stories.

Links we mentioned

The By The Wilde website: https://bythewilde.com/

By The Wilde Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bythewilde/

By The Wilde Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bythewilde

By The Wilde Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/bythewilde/_saved/

My Website: https://ryanteague.co/

My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanteague.co/

Shari & Mike are veterans of the photography scene - based in Vancouver and working in the industry since 2005. They share valuable insights into the journey, the lessons they’ve learned, how they dealt with the pandemic and what their ‘aha’ moment was - something I know a lot of listeners are waiting to try and find.

Get to know Shari & Mike

Shari & Mike started their journey in completely different industries, dabbling in photography on the weekends. However, when things started to pick up Shari went full time - still supported by Mike who continued to work full time. As they moved to Vancouver Mike also made the leap to go full time - and there was plenty of work for the both of them. Since then, they’ve built an awesome reputation in the wedding space around Vancouver as a laid back and creative couple which has also taken them around the world to destination weddings. Their focus more recently has been localised with COVID making it difficult to travel, however this has been a useful shift in their work - allowing them to appreciate their own city and stay closer to home and family.

What we talk about in the pod

Their family set up with a 4-year-old.

Their pace of work and busy seasons.

Both Shari & Mike’s journey into photography - from dabbling to full time.

Co running the business and photographing weddings together.

Using your roots to propel you forward in your new journey.

COVID and the wedding industry in Vancouver - how they’ve coped throughout and the post lockdown boom.

The benefits of not travelling - yes, there are some!

How their business has changed since having a daughter.

How their practical shooting has changed with having a daughter too.

A shift in shooting and approaching weddings - focusing more on relationships.

Bringing parenting to your approach - putting yourself in the attendee's shoes.

Getting out of your own head and ‘off plan’ when it comes to weddings.

Emotive stories and the privilege of being part of such a special day.

Falling in and out of love with photography - and how their perspectives are quite different.

How removing the tool can help you to reconnect with your art.

Keeping balance when documenting your child growing up - keeping the fun & joy in special moments.

What they think hold photographers back from creating images that are full of life and personality.

Being a calming presence at weddings and lifting your client’s anxiety.

The power of personalising your approach with every client - creating as you go.

Not trying to fit into a formula.

My biggest takeaway

Shari & Mike shared so much knowledge from years of being successful in the industry. However, the biggest takeaway for me was their thoughts on personalising your approach with every client and not trying to fit in with a formula. As a business person and photographer, it can be easy to slip into a process-driven mentality. But their style which has brought and continues to bring them much success focuses on the individual and fitting the mould of what they need at the time.

Links we mentioned

Shari & Mike’s Website: https://www.shariandmike.ca/

Shari & Mike’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shariandmike/

Shari & Mike’s Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/shariandmikephotographers/_created/

My website: https://ryanteague.co/

My workshop tickets: https://ryanteague.co/

This guy doesn’t need much of an introduction - it’s his second time on the pod and we’re stoked to have him back. He’s an incredible friend, artist, creative, businessman, photographer and educator- an inspirational figure in our industry. Oli has a really unique way of doing things, not bending to any rules but teaching others to forge their own path.

Get to know Oli

Oli started his creative life in advertising, UX and design - working at product agencies creating graphical elements, flash games and animations. He then moved into photography - assisting other photographers and making a lot of creative work without consequence. Over the years he’s built a business that has continued with this creativity albeit within the guise of weddings and projects. Now, he not only has become an iconic photographer in the space but also shares his knowledge with other photographers through workshops, guest speaking, mentoring and assets to help blow their clients’ minds.

What we spoke about

A Q&A answering your questions on Instagram

The strangest thing Oli’s ever done

Upcoming broadsheet release

His advice project - 100 mixed messages

His favourite film camera

Minimising what you show to increase the power of the shots

Storytelling at a wedding practically

Using scarcity to push your creativity

Accessing your ‘zone of genius’

What inspires him to push his boundaries of creativity

The power of music for Oli

Why the bigger questions can become crippling for some

How contradiction can help communicate a message

How not knowing the rules and not being paid allowed him to be the most creative

Creating opportunities to flex your creativity

How his education platform came to fruition

Mixed mediums of content - bitesize, short-form, long-form etc.

Making content for people with different learning styles

His new spins on workshops

Three things that hold photographers back

The power of connections within the photography community

Where he thinks the wedding industry is going to be in 10 years time

Advancement in technology and how it’s playing into the standards within the industry

Timeless styles and storytelling

Leaning into his own style on Instagram

Making your wedding couples feel ‘safe’ and focusing on your people

Tech solving problems and thinking about where it’s going to go

Why a business is more than just being different

The new educational space he’s created

My biggest takeaway

There’s always so many good nuggets of info from a thought leader like Oli. But my top takeaway was his thoughts on creativity - using scarcity to force your hand into being more thoughtful, using other art mediums to trigger creative thoughts and how storytelling will always be a timeless form of creativity.

Links mentioned in the pod

Oli’s Instagram www.instagram.com/olisansom

His website www./olisansom.com/

His education website https://strangeatlas.co/

Mannequin talks Instagram /www.instagram.com/mannequintalks/

Briars Atlas Instagrm www.instagram.com/briarsatlas/

Briars Atlas Weddings https://briarsatlas.com/

My website https://ryanteague.co/

Feather & Finch Instagram www.instagram.com/featherandfinchphotography/

Today I want to welcome Christian from Paper Bear Weddings. He’s doing some

incredible things in the industry and has a lot of value to bring to other

budding wedding photographers. I met Christian at a workshop and have since

been mentoring him, helping him to expand his business. We cover how he got

into the industry, finding his unique style and how he made the switch from

corporate to creative.

Get to know Tanya Lambart

Tanya actually started her career as a performer, working in the buzzing events space. From this however, she wanted a change of scene and created a role for herself at Bond University. Highlighting the need for social media management and the power it could have for them. Using all of these learnings and an incredible level of tenacity, Tanya started her own company Creative Haus. Today, she works with small businesses to build out an authentic social media strategy based around real business metrics. She offers reel packs, social media management, a reel course and so much more.

What we cover

Her career journey to starting Creative House

Finding her niche in the social media marketing space

The sustainability of the social media space and how it’s evolving

The ‘metaverse’ and the crazy future of social media

Keeping up as a small business

The importance of having an intention with social media

Vanity metrics - and why they really are just that

Balance of quality & quantity

Not just blindly following trends

Uncontrollability of the algorithm and virality

Tracking your own data

Tiktok Vs Reels

Testing, experimenting and refining content

Importance of planning, structure and knowing when to post

Finding music on Reels & Tiktok

Her normal setup to create content

Showcasing what you do on social

Power of standing out in a noisy industry

What trending actually means & how to find it

Looking at others in your industry & thinking about what your customer wants

Sticking to what’s true for you

What Creative House does and how Tanya helps her clients

Why outsourcing social media can be beneficial

My biggest takeaway

Social media is such an overwhelming space but Tanya does a great job of simplifying it. My biggest takeaway is authenticity. Firstly in the content you create, making content that not only speaks to your audience but speaks to your own personality. An inauthentic piece of content sticks out like a sore thumb, so if you’re going to commit to creating content, make sure it highlights your values and personality. Also ask yourself ‘is it authentic to create content or manage my social media?’. If the answer is no then outsource it to a great creative like Tanya - giving you more time to focus on your skill and business.

Links mentioned in the show

Creative Haus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_creativehaus_/

Creative Haus Website: www.creativehaus.studio

Tanya’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tannierose/

My website: https://ryanteague.co/

My workshop (2 spots left): https://ryanteague.co/workshop

Escaping the ordinary 8 common mistakes

Today is a super short and sweet pod where I’ll take you through the 8 most common mistakes I see a lot of my coaching clients struggle with. In this discussion we'll hone in on some home truths, difficult aspects of running a business and uncover what holds so many photographers and videographers from achieving real success. Here’s a sneak peak of the 8 mistakes I’ll be digging into:

Many photographers prioritise business over skill creative

Throwing money at paid advertising without a strategy or delivering value

Posting too much on social with no intention or tracking

Over blogging and repetitive imagery

Copying or following brand trends

Not leaning into your personality and style

Thinking you’re the number one in your business and refusing to accept otherwise

Not getting across your why or digging into your purpose

Links I mentioned

My website: https://ryanteague.co/

2 spots left on my Gold Coast workshop: https://ryanteague.co/workshop

Want to chat in person? Check out my mentoring options: https://ryanteague.co/mentoring