Shifting Focus with John Bunn

In this episode I sit down with Bianca and Kyle Thompson from Oak and Iron Photography to talk about their journey in the wedding world. We dive into how they've built a business that blends creativity with great client communication, and how they balance classic wedding traditions with fresh, innovative ideas. They share how their style has evolved over time, why candid moments matter so much, and give real advice on avoiding burnout while still delivering work that truly connects with clients.

Takeaways

Your work should be so good that your personality is irrelevant. Don't visit Plymouth Rock. We want interesting photos for the wall. We like to make interesting photographs. Stay curious and hungry for what this can be. You can do this, don't let burnout get its grasps on you. Learning how to be creative is the process. We want to do everything that we're capable of. You need to lean into your general curiosity.

Keywords

wedding photography, creative photography, Oak and Iron, Bianca and Kyle, photography tips, client communication, unique style, candid moments, photography techniques, avoiding burnout

Wedding photographers and videographers, it is time to shift your focus. In this episode of Shifting Focus, John Bunn sits down with educator and photographer Rachel Traxler to talk about why success in this industry goes far beyond just creating pretty photos.

Rachel shares how she built a 6 figure business by leaning into the business side of her brand, from smart branding and marketing strategies to building funnels, creating lead generation tools, and scaling with intention. If you have ever wondered how to attract your dream clients, stand out in a crowded market, and grow a sustainable business, this conversation is packed with insight and practical takeaways you will not want to miss.

Follow Rachel - * Website: Rachel Traxler Photography & Coaching — https://racheltraxler.com. * Instagram: @racheltraxler — https://www.instagram.com/racheltraxler/ * Gold Biz Podcast: The Gold Biz Podcast page — https://racheltraxler.com/goldbizpodcast * Gold Biz Podcast on Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gold-biz-podcast/id1553374027

🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 📱 Instagram: John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 Get in Touch: ✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] Sponsors and Affiliates: ⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bit.ly/4org7pP - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100 ⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing: http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial ⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E ⭐️ Lemlii - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months) ⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN ⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial ⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off ⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://bit.ly/3HltJCj ⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors. #weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast

Get ready to challenge the status quo with Josh Huggett, Adelaide's most unapologetic and controversial wedding photographer. Known as "Australia's least professional wedding photographer" and the "cool wedding photographer," Josh throws out the rulebook, ditching suits for T-shirts and jeans, yet still books hundreds of weddings and commands over 600K followers across social platforms.

In this episode of Shifting Focus Podcast, Josh speaks his mind, refusing to let industry norms dictate his vision. He shares why he opts for candid, real moments over posed perfection, how he approaches weddings like a friend rather than a hidden-by-the-bush dweeb, and how authenticity and energy have turned him into a global favorite.

Tune in for fearless opinions, unfiltered perspectives on wedding photography, and a refreshing take on creativity and business.

Links Website: Joshua Huggett Media Podcast: Tog Talk — search "Tog Talk with Josh Huggett" on your favorite platform Instagram: @imjoshhuggett

🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM

📱 Instagram: John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 Get in Touch: ✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] Sponsors and Affiliates: ⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bit.ly/4org7pP - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100 ⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing: http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial ⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E ⭐️ Lemlii - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months) ⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN ⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial ⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off ⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://bit.ly/3HltJCj ⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors. #weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast

In this episode, John Bunn and Nick Miller discuss their recent transitions after parting ways from their joint venture, How to Film Weddings. They reflect on their individual journeys, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of community support. Nick shares insights into his new podcast, Hotkeys, which aims to educate and inspire filmmakers, while John emphasizes the significance of adapting to change and pursuing new opportunities. The conversation highlights the value of collaboration and the excitement of exploring new creative avenues.

Follow Nick's new podcast: https://thehotkeys.co/

🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 📱 Instagram: John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 Get in Touch: ✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected]

Sponsors and Affiliates: ⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bit.ly/4org7pP - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100 ⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing: http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial ⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E ⭐️ Lemlii - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months) ⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN ⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial ⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off ⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://bit.ly/3HltJCj ⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.

Key Takeaways It's okay to shift your focus and try new things. Don't give up; find support in your journey. Change can lead to growth and new opportunities. Building a community is essential for success. Creating content requires understanding your audience. It's important to educate and inspire others in your field. Embrace the challenges that come with entrepreneurship. Finding the right people to collaborate with is crucial. Consistency in content creation is key to success. Reflecting on past experiences can guide future decisions.

In this episode of the Shifting Focus podcast, John Bunn discusses the recent engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey and the unrealistic expectations some wedding vendors have about booking high-profile clients. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong network, avoiding desperation marketing, and focusing on serving actual clients rather than chasing celebrity attention.

John shares insights on the value of exposure, the ethics of working for free, and the need for wedding vendors to elevate their brands to attract high-end clients.

Check out our outsourcing partners: https://john-bunn.com/outsourcing 🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 📱 Instagram: John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 Get in Touch: ✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] Sponsors and Affiliates: ⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bit.ly/4org7pP - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100 ⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing: http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial ⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E ⭐️ Lemlii - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months) ⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN ⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial ⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off ⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://bit.ly/3HltJCj ⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.

https://multiplysound.com/products/chptrs-film-score-collection - 30% off the new sound pack starting August 26th with promo code John30: https://multiplysound.com/?ref=evenpbbx

In this episode of the Shifting Focus podcast, host John Bunn interviews Boomer from Multiply Sound and the duo Josh and Jerad from CHPTRS. They discuss their unique collaboration in creating a new sound pack tailored for filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of music in storytelling.

The conversation covers Boomer's transition from wedding filmmaking to music creation, the challenges and risks involved in pursuing one's passion, and the educational components of their new product. The episode highlights the innovative approach to music for filmmakers and the excitement surrounding the launch of their sound pack.

Follow Multiply Sound: https://www.instagram.com/multiply.sound/ Follow CHPTRS: https://www.instagram.com/wearechptrs/ Takeaways Boomer transitioned from music to videography and back to music. The collaboration between Chapters and Boomer aims to revolutionize sound for filmmakers. Music is a powerful tool for storytelling in film. Boomer's sound packs offer customization for filmmakers. The importance of education in using music effectively in filmmaking. Creativity often requires taking risks and following one's passion. The sound pack includes unique, human-performed sounds. Filmmakers can use the sound pack to create cohesive musical stories. The collaboration emphasizes quality and intentionality in sound design. The launch of the sound pack is an exciting opportunity for filmmakers. 🎧 Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://bit.ly/4owsWiM 📱 Instagram: John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 Get in Touch: ✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected] Sponsors and Affiliates: ⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bit.ly/4org7pP - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100 ⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing: http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial ⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E ⭐️ Lemlii - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months) ⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN ⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial ⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off ⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://bit.ly/3HltJCj ⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved. All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors. #weddingvideography #weddingphotography #shiftingfocuspodcast Chapters 00:00 Meet the All-Star Lineup: Shifting Focus Podcast 04:00 Boomer's Journey: From Music to Videography 06:17 The Creative Partnership: Chapters' Formation 09:30 Boomer's Sound Packs: Revolutionizing Wedding Filmmaking 12:02 Taking Risks: Shifting Focus in Life and Career 15:15 Building Blocks of Music: Customization for Filmmakers 18:10 The Unique Sound: Human Elements in Music Production 21:07 The Collaboration: Chapters and Boomer's Partnership 26:59 Understanding the Product: What Filmmakers Can Do 27:56 Creating Music with Ease 31:19 Building Blocks of Sound Design 33:53 The Evolution of Musical Storytelling 37:24 Launching a New Sound Pack 41:28 Education and Empowerment in Music Composition 44:39 Creative Fulfillment and Personal Growth

In this conversation, Lauren Ashley, a prominent wedding photographer, shares her journey from trauma to success in the luxury photography market. She discusses the importance of personal branding, authenticity, and community support in building a successful photography business. Lauren emphasizes the need for photographers to present themselves professionally, embrace vulnerability, and take calculated risks to grow. She also highlights the evolution of her pricing strategy and the significance of emotional connection in her work.

Follow Lauren: https://www.instagram.com/laurenashleystudios/ Website: https://lauren-ashley.com/

📱 Instagram: John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866 Get in Touch: ✅ Brand deals, promotions, podcast info, etc., email [email protected]

Sponsors and Affiliates: ⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bit.ly/4org7pP - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100 ⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing: http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10 ⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial ⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN ⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E ⭐️Lemlii - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months) ⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN ⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial ⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off ⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://bit.ly/3HltJCj ⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off The Shifting Focus Podcast, all rights reserved.

All links are affiliate links and result in a commission for John Bunn Films if used. I appreciate the support. Help me by supporting my sponsors.

You can be a successful artist and a successful business owner In this episode of *Shifting Focus*, I sit down with Arkansas-based photographer Myles Witt Boyer for a candid conversation about the balance between art and business, and how to succeed in both.

Whether you're a photographer, videographer, or any creative entrepreneur, this episode will give you practical tips on building a profitable business without losing your passion for the craft. What started as a quick chat turned into a deep dive into: Finding the balance between creativity and profitability, Mindset shifts that lead to long-term success, How to build a sustainable photography or creative business, Lessons from years in the wedding and portrait industry. If you've ever felt torn between creating beautiful work and making a living from it, this episode will show you how art and business can work together.

Waitlist for Miles' Education: https://mileswittboyer.myflodesk.com/photocowaitlist

Miles' Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/photographic-collective-podcast-with-miles-witt-boyer/id1586170715

Miles' Imagen.AI profile:

https://account.imagen-ai.com/bundle/miles-witt-boyer-iconic?ref=mileswittboyer&utm_source=ambassador&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=2025&utm_content=profile

📌 Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:35 Art vs. Business

15:20 Building a Sustainable Creative Career

32:10 Mindset Shifts for Long-Term Success

Sponsors and Affiliates:

⭐️ Bride and Groom Video - John's Personal Editor for Video: https://bit.ly/4org7pP - $100 off the first project of $400, promo code JOHNBUNN100

⭐️ Get 1500 Free Edits with Imagen.ai: https://imagen-ai.com/?ref=johnbunn

⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing: http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10

⭐️ Musicbed - The Best Place to License Music: https://bit.ly/45HQjhC - 14 day free trial

⭐️ Inly - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/41Akxkf - 10% off with promo code JOHN

⭐️ Storymix Media - Wedding Video Editing: https://bit.ly/47rrN5E

⭐️ Lemlii - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/45rhAnl Promo Code - JohnBunn25 (25% off any plan for 12 months)

⭐️ Multiply Media - https://bit.ly/46OdZCe - 15% off with promo code JOHNBUNN

⭐️ Spingle - AI culling and editing - https://bit.ly/4m80XnZ - 2 week free trial

⭐️ Honeybook - CRM for creatives: https://bit.ly/4lmrKvf - 30% off

⭐️ Gamut - Color Presets and LUTs: https://bit.ly/3HltJCj

⭐️ Flodesk - Emails Made Easy: https://bit.ly/4md3ltE - 50% off

Instagram: John Bunn - http://bit.ly/2AYTiE2 John Bunn Films: https://bit.ly/43S3866

After wrapping up 7 incredible years and over 400 episodes of How to Film Weddings, it's time to start something new. In this episode, I'm sharing why I made the shift, what this new show is all about, and how changing your focus can completely change your business I break down the meaning behind the name Shifting Focus, why most creatives are stuck (hint: it's not a talent issue), and how getting clear on what actually matters is the real game-changer If you've been feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or unsure of your next step, this episode is for you. Let's talk about clarity, momentum, and building a business that works for your life, not the other way around

After 7 years, 400+ episodes, and an incredible community, we're saying goodbye to How To Film Weddings as you know it.

In this final episode together, we sit down to reflect on the journey—what we've learned, how the podcast has evolved, and the impact it's had on both of our lives and businesses. We also share what's next for each of us: where Nick is heading, and how John is launching a brand-new podcast and platform under Shifting Focus.

This episode is full of gratitude, memories, and clarity about what comes next. Whether you've been with us from episode one or just joined recently—thank you for being part of something truly special.

📸 Follow John on Instagram https://instagram.com/johnbunn_ 📸 Follow Nick on Instagram https://instagram.com/iam.nickmiller