Our Creative Commune

Ever come back from a conference feeling like a total fraud?

This week, Pete & Laura are recovering from the social hangover of the CODA conference and so we’re diving deep into the anxieties of networking as an introvert. We discuss the pressure to be "on" all the time, navigating imposter syndrome, and that cringe-worthy moment when you're introduced to one of the cool kids as the "King and Queen" of the UK market.

But it wasn't all anxiety at CODA. We were also massively inspired by many incredible stories. Plus the powerful 'smoke and mirrors' marketing strategy - the art of curating your portfolio to get the weddings you most want to shoot.

We debate a hot topic online: is flash photography becoming a nuisance at weddings? And we share a few thoughts on photographers getting a little too close for comfort during the ceremony.

Join us for these, and many other topics, as we chat about the last couple of weeks over a coffee.

Timestamps:

02:34 The social hangover from Coda Conference

04:21 Navigating events as an introvert: Are we 'cliquey'?

08:33 The pressure of being 'known' and imposter syndrome

10:28 Our key takeaway: The power of ambient audio

14:50 From Prison to a Creative Empire: The Fire & Ice Story

18:39 'Smoke and mirrors' marketing & defining our ideal client

22:27 Catching up: A pagan hand-fasting & a wedding at The Traitors castle

25:16 Is flash photography annoying for wedding guests?

34:15 When photographers get too close during the ceremony

41:37 Highs & Lows: Coda, family meals, and feeling overwhelmed

51:23 Rediscovering creativity by organising 15 years of photos

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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In this episode of Our Creative Commune, we're fresh from a beautifully emotional wedding in the heart of Storm Amy and a fun-filled autumnal family shoot. We also take a moment to celebrate the incredible work of fellow creative, Damian Brandon (https://damianbrandon.com/)

This leads us into a passionate discussion about the current state of the wedding photography industry. Are we seeing a decline in the traditional craft of photography? We delve into the rise of the "snapshotty" and "editorial" styles, the importance of understanding good light, and whether the focus has shifted from capturing genuine moments to creating content for Instagram.

Plus, Liam gives us an update on his new life as a driving instructor, Pete shares his insights from the world of Reddit on what couples are really looking for, and we chat about the highs and lows of our week, from technical triumphs to creepy crawly encounters. Join us for a candid conversation about creativity, business, and the ever-evolving world of wedding photography.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & Catching Up

02:13 Recapping Adam & Jade’s Stormy Welsh Wedding

07:36 Working With the Incredibly Talented Damian Brandon

12:38 Main Topic: Is the Art of Wedding Photography Being Lost?

14:51 The Death of Good Light: Why Are Photographers Ignoring the Basics?

20:12 Does Technical Quality Even Matter Anymore?

27:43 What Do Couples Actually Want? (Insights from Reddit)

30:43 The Changing Internet: SEO, Google, and Finding Clients Now

33:56 Liam's New Venture as a Driving Instructor

38:56 Building a New Website & The Logo Debate

42:12 Blogging vs. Full Galleries: What Should You Send to Clients?

45:32 The "Be Everywhere" Strategy for Modern Marketing

46:45 Highs & Lows of the Week (Including Hard Drive Sleeping Bags & Spiders!)

57:39 What's Coming Up Next?

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discusses the most talked-about trend in the wedding industry right now: the rise of the content creator. Are they replacing videographers, and how should creative professionals adapt to a TikTok-driven market? We share our honest thoughts on the challenges and potential solutions, from offering next-day clips to staying true to your unique style in a sea of trends. Is it possible to fight the tide, or is it time to evolve?

We also dive into what we've been up to on the road, including Liam shooting a stunning wedding in Ostuni, Italy, and Pete's "life-changing" experience hiring a second shooter for the first time at a wedding in Anglesey. Plus, hear how Laura and Pete got inspired by music videos and started experimenting with flash-style, direct lighting for video and a 4:3 aspect ratio to create a raw, editorial feel.

Join us for an open conversation about navigating the ever-changing creative landscape, a surprisingly detailed chat about the limitations of expanding foam, and our usual highs and lows of the week—including one of us starting a brand new career!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome & Morning People vs. Night Owls

03:49 What We've Been Up To

03:53 Liam’s Shoots: London, Tunbridge Wells & A Wedding in Italy

05:29 Pete's "Life-Changing" Anglesey Wedding with a Second Shooter

08:21 Laura & Pete's Dorset Wedding & Manchester Shoots

08:57 Creative Development: Experimenting with Direct Lighting & 4:3 Ratio

17:24 DIY Chat: The Surprising Limits of Expanding Foam

18:21 Main Topic: The Great Content Creator Debate

19:32 Are Suppliers a Bigger Problem Than Couples?

22:29 The "Your Wedding is Not Content" Movement

30:25 How Videographers Can Adapt to the Trend

39:06 Final Thoughts on the Future

46:08 Highs and Lows of the Week

50:32 Liam's Big News: A Career Change

Get 30% off Lawson Film School (until October 2025) with code: BACKTOSCHOOL

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a catch-up packed with wild wedding stories and industry insights. Liam shares a tale from the depths of Scotland, where he photographed the first and only elopement inside a massive, disused WWII underground oil tank - complete with world-record-breaking echoes and drone flights in the dark. He then takes us to Iceland for a vow renewal, revealing the stressful reality of shooting in iconic, tourist-filled locations and the rules you sometimes have to bend to get the perfect shot.

The team also dives into the great dishwasher debate (are your precious mugs and knives safe?), discusses the pros and cons of the new Canon C50 video camera, and shares their thoughts on recent industry shake-ups. Plus, they explore the unspoken rules of working with other suppliers and share personal highs and lows, featuring everything from a hit-and-run and a ghost named Jim to the joys of booking a wedding in Montenegro.

00:36 - Wedding season fatigue & back-to-school chaos.

02:23 - Liam's story: Photographing an elopement in a disused underground oil tank in Scotland.

10:28 - Pete & Laura's "painless" wedding shoot in Scotland.

13:31 - Shooting a wedding for a fellow photographer.

14:42 - The great debate: Should you put precious mugs and knives in the dishwasher?

18:00 - Liam's story: A vow renewal in Iceland and the challenges of shooting in tourist hotspots.

23:39 - Discussion on managing expectations at popular photo locations.

26:47 - Industry News: The new Canon C50 video camera.

30:44 - Industry News: The Easy-Flix gallery migration controversy.

34:36 - The pros and cons of culling software like Narrative and Photo Mechanic.

40:13 - How to handle working with difficult or rude suppliers on a wedding day.

46:52 - Liam's travel drama: Getting locked in a car park and a hit-and-run.

51:31 - Highs and Lows of the Week.

Get 30% off Lawson Film School (until October 2025) with code: BACKTOSCHOOL

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a much-needed holiday break, the gang is back behind the mics and feeling refreshed... mostly. Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee as they catch up on a wild few weeks of work, life, and misadventure.

Liam kicks things off with tales from a three-day wedding in Spain, complete with tuxedos in the ocean, an aggressive jellyfish, a competitive bucking bronco incident, and an unexpected visit from the local police. Meanwhile, Pete shares his less-than-glamorous story of surviving "Vomitus Maximus" after a beautiful wedding in the Scottish Highlands.

This leads to a candid discussion on the biggest challenges facing wedding creatives today: Is the rise of "editorial" photography making it harder to capture authentic moments? And why are clients increasingly choosing phone-based content creators over traditional videographers?

Finally, we get real about the big one: burnout. Deep in the thick of wedding season, we share our personal struggles and tangible advice on how to manage the pressure, rediscover your creative spark, and find the joy in your work again when you feel like you have nothing left to give. If you're feeling the strain, this is the chat you need to hear.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Catching Up

01:09 - Why We've Stopped Filming the Podcast

02:28 - Liam's Wild 3-Day Wedding in Spain (Tuxedos in the Sea, Jellyfish & a Bucking Bronco)

07:50 - Liam's Drone Incident & a Visit from the Police

09:37 - Pete & Laura's Scottish Wedding Adventure

11:19 - Pete's Unfortunate Bout of "Vomitus Maximus" (Food Poisoning)

14:37 - Getting Soaked by a Champagne Spray

15:44 - The Big Discussion: Is the "Editorial" Photography Trend Killing the Vibe?

24:13 - The Rise of Content Creators vs. Traditional Videographers

27:20 - Main Topic: How to Beat Creative Burnout This Wedding Season

28:02 - Laura's Secret to Avoiding Burnout: Getting Ahead

34:05 - Letting Go of Perfectionism & The 80/20 Rule

39:24 - The Real Reason We Get Anxious Before a Wedding

46:18 - Our Top Tips for Burnout: Nature, Hobbies & Asking for Help

52:36 - Sparking Joy: Trying New Lenses & Techniques

57:47 - Highs and Lows of the Week

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a special "postcard" episode, recorded live from next to their tents during their wholesome (and feral) camping holiday! Swapping the studio for a field, the team gets real about the highs and lows of the creative life in the middle of a busy August.

In this episode, we chat about our recent travels, from a stunning but stormy cruise through the Norwegian fjords to an epic 14-hour drive to the Isle of Skye for a single elopement. We then dive into some all-too-relatable industry frustrations, including the awkward dance of dealing with difficult wedding bands and a deep dive into the dos, don'ts, and disasters of hiring second shooters.

The conversation then takes a serious and personal turn as Liam shares the full, cautionary story of being scammed out of £4,500 by a fake marketing "expert." It’s an open and honest account of how easily it can happen and the emotional toll it takes, serving as a must-listen for any freelancer or small business owner. We wrap it all up by sharing the simple joys that have made our trip unforgettable, from barbecues to a magical night watching shooting stars.

00:00 - Intro

00:31 - A Postcard from a Field: The Feral Camping Holiday Begins

03:32 - The Pre-Holiday Work Grind

05:02 - Cruising and Seasickness in Norway

07:52 - A 14-Hour Drive for a 3-Hour Elopement

11:03 - The Importance of Taking a Break in Peak Season

12:55 - Industry Rant: When Wedding Bands Are "Cheeky F*cks"

18:23 - Industry Deep Dive: The Woes of a Bad Second Shooter

28:26 - The Full Story of a £4,500 Scam

43:50 - Highs & Lows of the Week

49:26 - Outro: Time for a Barbecue

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

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Driving through the night fuelled by nothing but caffeine and desperation? Or wondering if a popular wedding trend is all it's cracked up to be? This week - that's us!

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for a debrief on the delightful chaos of being a wedding creative. We recount our most stressful travel nightmares—from car breakdowns in rural France to nearly missing ceremonies by minutes. We also share stories from our latest weddings, including one on a boat and another where we experimented with a "video-first, photos-second" approach.

What's going on in the wedding industry this week? Wer deep dive into the recent drama surrounding a planner's critique of film photography. Is it an overpriced, "deranged" trend, or a beautiful art form? We break down the controversy, discuss the power of creative freedom, and explore why you should always "shoot what you want."

Plus, we share our highs and lows, featuring wholesome jam-making, a last-minute elopement to Skye, and a serious warning about an online scam that cost one of us thousands. Tune in for a packed episode full of laughs, rants, and a few hard-won lessons.

Timestamps:

00:35 The reality of post-wedding burnout.

03:45 Our most bonkers wedding travel stories (breakdowns in France, marathon drives across Europe).

08:50 The stress of nearly missing a wedding.

13:26 What we've been shooting: A pub, a boat, and a "no-photos" wedding.

24:04 THE BIG DEBATE: Is film photography an overpriced, "deranged" trend?

31:32 Our take: Why you should shoot what you want and embrace creative freedom.

38:51 Highs & Lows: Wholesome moments, elopements, and getting scammed out of £4,500.

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #filmphotography #creativepodcast #weddingindustry #ourcreativecommune

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever felt like you're just one wedding away from snapping?

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the intense mental and physical toll of being a wedding creative.

We dive deep into the chaos of a 500-guest, multi-day wedding and the logistical nightmare of shooting solo in a massive venue. It's a candid chat about the pre-wedding anxiety, the pressure we put on ourselves to constantly do more, and the art of "crying on the inside like a winner" while keeping a smile on for our clients.

We also explore:

• The delicate dance between photographers and videographers on a wedding day.
• Why the wedding market in Scotland seems to be thriving while others are struggling.
• The search for the perfect side hustle (and the reality of drone work).
• Our personal highs and lows, from emotional school leavers' assemblies to a stress-induced twitchy eye that just won't quit.

If you’ve ever felt the burnout creeping in, this one’s for you.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Timestamps:

(00:44) - The Chaos of a 500-Guest Wedding

(04:55) - The Nightmare Logistics of a Huge Wedding Venue

(07:10) - "Crying on the Inside": The Real Mental Load of a Wedding Creative

(12:02) - Is Our Pre-Wedding Anxiety Getting Worse Over Time?

(13:51) - Photographer vs. Videographer: Who's In Charge on the Day?

(18.00) - Are We Asking too much of Ourselves?

(22:12) - A Rainy 8-Hour Elopement Shoot in Edinburgh

(26:45) - The "North-South Divide": Why is the Scottish Wedding Market Booming?

(31:12) - Weird Scottish Laws, Side Hustles & a Drone Business Reality Check

(38:39) - Our Highs & Lows of the Week

From navigating 100+ group shots to flying drones through fireworks at 11 pm, we share the stories that don't make it to the wedding album. If you're a creative feeling the strain, let us know your experiences in the comments below!

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #burnout #creativebusiness #photographytips

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Liam is from his epic month away! In this episode, he recounts his insane month of travel, from shooting weddings in Spain and the Austrian Alps to starting a brand new career as a driving instructor. We share stories of driving down stairs in a hire car, cameras overheating at altitude, and the joy of a ceremonial beer keg tapping.

Then, we get into a huge industry debate: hybrid shooting. With so many photographers now offering video, we discuss the pros and cons, and the dilemma it creates for dedicated videographers who rely on photographer referrals. Is the industry in a price war, and who will pull the trigger first?

We also touch on the rise of wedding content creators, the truth about film photography, and a global survey that reveals just how much (or how little) photographers are charging in 2025.

Join Pete, Laura, Liam, and Bee for an episode packed with travel stories, industry insights, and our usual weekly highs and lows!

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

TIMESTAMPS:


00:00 - Intro & Why Is Everyone So Tired?


03:58 - Where Has Liam Been? A Whirlwind Month Begins


05:19 - Wedding Story: Driving Down a Flight of Stairs in Spain


07:46 - The Travel Nightmare: From Spain to Austria via the Autobahn


09:12 - Wedding Story: Lederhosen & Beer Kegs in the Austrian Alps


10:50 - Technical Woes: When Your Cameras Overheat


13:23 - The New Side Hustle: Training to be a Driving Instructor


24:49 - Industry Talk: The Rise of Wedding Content Creators


29:10 - The Future of Filmmaking? (Stormzy Film & The "28 Days Later" Sequel)


33:35 - Is Hybrid Shooting the Future? The Big Debate


39:11 - The Photographer vs. Videographer Dilemma


42:40 - Is Film Photography Just a Gimmick?


45:15 - Why Are Wedding Photography Prices So Low in the UK?


56:00 - The Realities of Pricing and "Charging Your Worth"


1:06:00 - Highs and Lows of the Week

#weddingphotography #weddingvideography #creativepodcast #hybridshooting #weddingindustry #photographybusinesscoach

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Is it possible to be a photographer AND a videographer at the same time, on your own, at a wedding? In this episode, we chat one of the photographers doing just that. The lovely Lewis Fackrell walks us through his complete hybrid shooting workflow. Are we won over?

From his one-camera setup and "PVP" method, to his post-production process and business strategy, Lewis shares the secrets that have allowed him to offer photo and video packages to his couples. If you want to hear how to add an extra video service to your photography business, this is absolutely for you - or if you’re just curious about how it's possible like we were.

We also catch up on what we’ve been up to these past couple of weeks. Bee casually shares a story about a near-death experience involving a bathroom cabinet! New fear unlocked.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurCreativeCommune

Get a free 14 day trial of Musicbed: https://www.musicbed.com/invite/935Cy

Lawson Film School: https://www.lawsonfilms.co.uk/lawson-film-school

Say hi on Instagram @ourcreativecommune

liamandbee.com

lawsonfilms.co.uk

lawsonphotography.co.uk

Lewis Fackrell's Website & Course: https://www.lewisfackrell.co.uk

Lewis's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewis_fackrell_photography/

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 - Welcome & The Most Hectic Travel Schedule Ever

06:05 - Pete's Impromptu Hybrid Shooting Experience in Italy

13:05 - Introducing Our Guest: Lewis Fackrell

14:24 - How Lewis Balances a Full Calendar with a Young Family

23:10 - The "Why": What Made Lewis Start Hybrid Shooting?

26:30 - Lewis's Minimalist Gear Setup for Hybrid Work

29:49 - THE BIG QUESTION: How Do You Actually Shoot Hybrid?

31:05 - Handling "Pinch Points": The Reveal, Aisle Walk & Ceremony

41:30 - The First Kiss & The Confetti Shot: Photo or Video?

44:35 - Does the Quality of Photos or Video Get Compromised?

48:45 - The Ideal Number of Photos to Take at a Wedding

54:13 - The Post-Production Workflow for Photo & Video

1:01:42 - The Business of Hybrid: Pricing & Attracting Clients

1:05:36 - All About Lewis's Hybrid Photography Course

1:11:10 - Highs and Lows of the Week!

1:12:37 - Bee's Terrifying Near-Death Experience

1:17:52 - A Week of Wins & Booking a 2027 Wedding!

#weddingphotography #hybridshooter #weddingvideography #learnphotography #creativebusiness #podcast #ourcreativecommune

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